Executive Director of Construction Randy Fite presented the recommended guaranteed maximum prices for the projects, which are worth $67 million, at the Feb. 3 workshop.
The details
Creek Valley, Downing and Durham middle schools will receive new furniture, technology updates to student and staff devices and network infrastructure, safety and security updates, including weapon scanners and new locking and alarm systems, and the maintenance and repair of buses, transportation center, and fine arts musical instruments, according to district documents.
Subcontractors estimated the maximum price for the Creek Valley project at $21.2 million, Downing Middle School at almost $23.1 million and Durham Middle School at $22.7 million, Fite said. The district expects to complete work on all three schools by summer 2026.
While some campuses may require more maintenance than others, each campus will receive a variety of life-cycle maintenance and repair upgrades, which usually include replacing or repairing the following:
- HVAC systems
- Roof
- Fire alarm systems
- Fire Sprinkler
- Doors and hardware
- Restrooms
- A/V equipment
- Classroom furniture
- Flooring
- Ceiling and lights
- Walk-In freezer
- Stage lighting and curtains
- Paint
- Casework
- Technology cabling
- Generator
District officials have also discussed adding solar panels to Downing Middle School during the roof replacement and are expected to consider approval of the item at the Feb. 10 board meeting, per previous Community Impact reporting.
During discussion at the Feb. 3 workshop, Trustee Allison Lassahn advocated for delaying the Downing project, outside safety updates such as replacing fire alarm systems, by at least a year since the campus was on the initial closure list last year and the district does not want to spend money on school projects only to close the campus in the near future. Trustee Buddy Bonner also offered this pointed critique when the board discussed the solar panel project in January.
“I agree that moving forward we just need to be cognizant about not spending precious taxpayer dollars on a school that may or may not be around in two to three years,” Board President Jenny Proznik said.
Going forward
All three middle school projects will be brought back for board approval at the Feb. 10 board meeting, Fite said.
He added that he will present maximum price proposals for around 12 other 2023 bond maintenance and repair projects in March. Along with security door upgrades and hardware replacement districtwide, these projects could include work at the following campuses:
- Old Settlers Elementary School
- Lamar Middle School
- The Colony High School
- Marcus High School
- Hebron High School
- Flower Mound High School
- Castle Hills Elementary School
- Central Elementary School
- Liberty Elementary School
