Here is the latest update on the re-opening of Arcola Elementary School:
Work on the construction documents (plans and specifications) were put on hold for about 2 months due to the postponing of the re-opening of the school. The project is now back on track and the Architectural/Engineering Design firm is now working on the construction documents again. The design phase is expected to be completed by the middle of May. The Planning Board Mandatory Referral, which was originally scheduled for last December, is now scheduled for mid April. The Project Manager doesn't expect any major problems with the Planning Board. The Project Manager mentioned that construction costs have increased significantly recently. The MCPS construction budgets have not been adequate. MCPS is currently re-bidding recent construction projects that came in above school budgets. By mid April, after the re-bidding process is complete, MCPS will have a better idea of their budget situation. If these construction cost do not come down, MCPS may need to re-evaluate how ! many projects they can afford to award this fall. Arcola Elementary could be delayed again, though the Project Manager is not in the position to know which construction projects will be delayed (this is a political decision). There is a possibility that features like the school gymnasium could be delayed or eliminated.
According the Project Manager, there have been no significant changes to the school design since we saw it last year (so what is posted on the web site is still fairly accurate). If all goes well budget wise, the project will go out to bid in October and awarded in November 2005. Tear Down/Demolition would start in December. The construction phase will last a little over a year. The school should be finished by spring and ready for re-opening in the fall of 2007. Once the project is awarded in Nov (hopefully), the construction contractor will provide a schedule.
Like I mentioned above, we should have a clearer picture of the budget situation in the next few weeks. Hopefully the school re-opening will not be delayed again.