Golden dome installation delayed after manufacturer defects, district staff says

A district staff member told the Delaware Academy Central School District at Delhi board on June 22 that installation of the project’s Golden Dome was postponed after the vendor delivered anodized metal cladding with color mismatches and other defects.

“We had the unfortunate news that they weren’t able to install on the 19th of this month… the colors were not matching,” the staff member said, adding that the contractor has moved to a third supplier and that the district is tracking an expedited shipment. “We’re hoping, fingers crossed, we’re looking at a mid to late July” installation window, the staff member said.

Why it slipped: the presenter said the contractor’s original target was November but shop‑drawing review, required field measurements and the impracticality of doing the work in winter pushed the schedule. When the first and second material batches arrived damaged or inconsistent in color, the manufacturer declined to finish the dome using mismatched panels and sought replacement cladding.

Accountability and costs: board members asked whether the district could seek discounts or liquidated damages. The staff member said district lawyers are reviewing the contract but that there are currently no liquidated‑damages provisions "per se." He also said the contractor has indicated it would absorb some of the expedited costs and crane expenses so far; district staff will continue to press the contractor for clarity and any appropriate remedies.

Other project items: the presenter said remaining close‑out work is mostly complete. A canopy for the rear of the bus garage is being procured after a value‑engineering redesign, and the tech/STEM space turnover documentation has been signed allowing occupancy. The board discussed replacing the bus‑garage lift this winter (parts ordered; anticipated material delivery in November) at an estimated cost the presenter placed at just under $400,000, to be paid from remaining project contingencies.

What’s next: the district will not confirm a firm installation date until the cladding is in hand, manufactured correctly and loaded for transport. District staff said they will notify the community once the shipment is on route and a crane date is scheduled.

The board did not vote on any new capital items at the meeting; staff said planning and needs assessments for the district’s next project will begin in coming months.