Board told new Mercer County elementary school is nearly ready; sinkholes found at athletic field

District construction staff gave an extended update on the new elementary school and related site work, saying interior finishes are wrapping up, gas meter installation and final plumbing inspections are underway, and asphalt and striping work were progressing when weather permitted.

The project team said a state inspection is scheduled and that the intent is to obtain a certificate of occupancy that will allow the district to accept handover and begin moving furniture and materials. The superintendent announced a community ribbon-cutting is planned for Tuesday, July 14 at 6:00 p.m., followed by a public open house.

The construction update also flagged site issues. The project manager (identified in discussion as Mr. Buddy) said crews encountered two sinkholes in the athletic-field excavation and exposed an old building foundation near Mobley Road. The district has asked the original geotechnical firm (Terracon) for recommendations; the team said the repair approach would mirror a previously used design and that the contract includes an allowance to cover remediation.

The project team noted potential extra costs to remove concrete foundation material, which cannot be reused as fill and must be disposed of off-site. They also discussed right-of-way and utility trenching on adjacent property where AT&T and other utilities had disturbed the site; responsibility for final restoration remains under investigation.

Board members asked about schedule impacts, and staff said the team expects to proceed after geotechnical direction and that contractors have been asked to remobilize as conditions allow.