Earlier school completion eyed

An effort may still be made to complete the new K-12 school project by the end of August, 2014, and begin school around Sept. 8, in the new building complex.

Grand Coulee Dam School District Superintendent Dennis Carlson told the board of directors Monday night that he had asked Walker Construction, the general contractor, what it would take to meet this deadline.

Previously, the guestimate has been for an early October finish.

School and construction officials meet each Tuesday to check how they are coming on the timeline on construction.

Good weather and outstanding performances by sub-contractors has cut off some time, and it has caused Carlson to look at an earlier completion date.

Board Chair Joette Barry, who was re-elected Monday night as chair, questioned whether an early finish date would mean that quality would be sacrificed. Carlson said no.

He told the board that the 39 change orders handled by the construction committee showed that only $49,000 has been used of the project’s $1 million contingency fund. That was the amount set aside to take care of any unforeseen problems that might occur.

He stated that most of the work that would come under “contingency” has already been done.

Carlson told the board that the planning on the project has been responsible for the work accelerating to the point where the district could look at an early finish.

Walker Construction officials will work out what extra costs might be entailed for an early finish, including such things as overtime.

Carlson estimates that it will take five days to complete the move in of new furniture and supplies and for teachers to get their rooms ready for students.

A late August finish would enable school to begin in the new building and save the district from starting school in old buildings and then interrupting the school process to make a move into the new building.