Construction of new Ringgold Middle School winding down
NEW EAGLE — Ringgold is getting closer to the much anticipated opening of its new $42 million middle school.
During the school board’s monthly meeting Wednesday evening, Board President Bill Stein Jr. said that despite construction delays, the middle school could open in early November.
“When we started this project, we knew we would be operating on a very aggressive 18-month construction schedule,” he said. “There were bound to be some issues and delays. While we had hoped to complete the project sooner, we wanted to do it right. Most importantly, we stayed on budget.”
Stein added that the new middle school will be serving sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students for the remainder of the 2017-18 school year. Fifth-grade students will remain at Ringgold’s north and south elementary schools during the 2017-18 term, then join the other students at the middle school the following year.
Ringgold parent Roderick Wilson addressed the board, asking why construction was taking longer than expected. He also was concerned that the delay would drive up the cost of the project.
“We don’t live in a perfect world, and I understand there are delays,” said Wilson. “But you said you would be stewards of opening the building on time. We had a mild winter, and we’ve had a good summer. What’s the reason for the delay? And are the delays going to cost the taxpayers more money?”
Nancy Gorgas, a project manager from Massaro Construction Management Services, said that several unforeseen problems came up during construction of the school.
“We had to deal with a variety of issues,” she said. “There were some delays with installation of the masonry. Also, we weren’t able to enclose the building as quickly as we anticipated. Because the building was open, we couldn’t install certain finishes if moisture was present. But we are making huge progress and hope to complete the project soon.”
Stein assured Wilson that Ringgold would not have to foot the bill for any cost overages.
“This project is on an approved budget, so there won’t be any extra cost to the taxpayer,” said Stein.
Added Randy Skrinjorich, director of operations and financial services, said, “We will not pay them anything extra, even if they go past the deadline.”
In other action, the board approved the following:
n Resolution to provide free and reduced price lunches to children whose family’s gross income falls within levels outlined in the appropriate family size bracket on the income scale.
n Tentative agreement between the Ringgold School District and the Ringgold food services union from July 1 until June 30, 2020.
n Contract with Vern’s Electric, Inc. in the amount of $206,034 for a generator and switchgear replacement at the high school.