What you need to know
Construction manager at-risk Joeris bid the project with a guaranteed maximum price of more than $1.35 million, about $385,000 over budget, according to a presentation from Fite.
The renovations’ added cost comes from cabinet and drawer replacements, also called casework, Fite said. The replacements at McAuliffe will also require drywall, paint, plumbing and electrical work. McAuliffe doesn’t use standard LISD casework, necessitating more work to replace it.
“McAuliffe is a very unique campus, not a typical standard,” Fite said. “It’s not a true one-for-one replacement; we’re also getting into a little bit more tackwall, and drywall and paint needs than if we were just taking some cabinets out and putting some cabinets back in.”
What else?
The district also identified flooring in music rooms and offices that required replacement that wasn’t accounted for in the original project, Fite said. Most of the added cost comes from the casework, Fite added.
Funds from the 2023 bond interest earnings will cover the added costs, per Fite's presentation.
Looking ahead
Fite recommended the board approve the project, and trustees will vote on the guaranteed maximum price at the Dec. 8 meeting. Construction is expected to start in summer 2026.
