Corvallis School District bond projects are set for construction to begin this spring at Garfield and Lincoln Elementary schools with summer activity to get underway at Hoover Elementary and Cheldelin Middle School. Projects at Crescent Valley HS have been delayed until June 2021 due to the uncertainty in the construction market and COVID-19 impacts for general contractors, subcontractors, and supply chains for materials.
The Corvallis School District Bond Leadership team, led by Facilities and Transportation Director Kim Patten, has been meeting and discussing the risks of COVID-19 cost and schedule impacts on the bond program and how to manage those risks. This team is responsible for monitoring the district’s financial stewardship of the entire bond program and ensuring the district is able to complete all bond promises.
For the schools that are starting construction this spring, the design and bidding processes were completed before the impacts of COVID-19 came into play. Those projects remain on budget and on schedule, despite a statewide shut down due to the pandemic. Construction will get underway because Gov. Kate Brown and state leaders deemed the work to be an essential service that is permitted to continue.
The pricing for CVHS is estimated to be $3 million over budget and we believe that is related to COVID-19 impacts. State-funded seismic grants have been applied for to offset the budget and the district will reevaluate the project once the outcome of the grant funding is known.
This summer the design team will start work on the CVHS seismic improvements and will solidify budgets with a target for construction beginning June 2021. The delayed timing will also move bidding to a timeframe that is anticipated to be clear of COVID-19 impacts and will allow us to bring the design into balance with the budget.
Design is continuing for Adams, Jefferson, and Wilson Elementary Schools with plans to begin construction next spring.
Overview of 2020 Spring/Summer Projects
Garfield Elementary School
Major renovations will take place including an additional educational wing (portable classrooms will be replaced by permanent classrooms), covered play area, and improvements in parking and site circulation for bikes and pedestrians.
Lincoln Elementary School
A new replacement school will be built on the south side of the current school campus. The current building will continue to be used during construction, then demolished after the new building is completed. Existing portable classrooms will also be removed. Other improvements will include a new covered play area and improvements in parking and site circulation.
Hoover Elementary School
A new replacement school, similar in size and appearance to the new Lincoln school, will be built on the east side of the current school campus. The current building will continue to be used during construction, then demolished after the new building is completed. Existing portable classrooms will also be removed. Other improvements will include a new covered play area and improvements in parking and site circulation.
Cheldelin Middle School
Renovations will take place including improvements in the library, cafeteria, and a redesigned shop for STEAM education. There will also be seismic and HVAC upgrades completed as part of this project.