Kennedy returns to first timeline

By Jerry Ness | The Daily Journal

Published Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Despite the best efforts of our construction team, the completion date for the renovation of what will be Kennedy Secondary School (formerly the Middle School) has been moved back to its original date of August 2010. We had hoped to fast track the project so students could move into the building in the fall of 2009, but we believe it is more important to build the school right than to build it fast.

On Oct. 13, School Board members and administrators heard details of the project schedule. As our project manager explained, work at Kennedy School was delayed eight to 10 weeks this past summer when state approval of the construction documents took 16 weeks, rather than the expected time of four to six weeks.

Now, with the state’s approval, construction is moving forward on construction of a classroom addition for grades 7-8, remodeling of spaces for grades 6 and 9-12, and construction of physical education and administration offices.

Our objective is to stretch the project budget to get the most value without sacrificing quality. The longer project schedule will limit the expensive cost of winter construction and allow us to reduce costs by exploring additional construction options and modifications.

Our construction team had considered the option of moving into portions of Kennedy Secondary School during the 2009-2010 school year, but the logistical challenges would be overwhelming. The School Board, staff, consultants and our administrative team want to minimize the disruptions to our students’ education, as well as ensure the safety of students and staff during the construction process.

A lot of effort goes into moving into a new facility after construction is complete. This includes installation and testing of mechanical and technology equipment and having adequate time for furniture to be installed and for staff to prepare classrooms and work areas. We need to have the facility completed before it is occupied by students and staff, so an August 2010 opening is our best option.

As you may recall, the Kennedy project was bid in late June, and interior demolition, addition pilings and footings have been completed. While construction continues at the site, there is — and will continue to be — access to the swimming pool, gymnasium and football field/track. As work progresses within the building, efforts will be made to provide access to completed areas.

Although we’re disappointed by the delays at Kennedy Secondary School, we are pleased with the progress at our other buildings. Thanks to approval of the $32.5 million bond referendum in the spring of 2007 (which also funded the Kennedy project), construction began at Cleveland School in November 2007, and we were able to move 5th grade classes into the building for the start of school in September. Dedication of the building is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, November 2.

With the completion of Cleveland, students in preschool through grade 5 are settled into their new homes. McKinley School houses our preschool programs and kindergarten. Adams School is home to grades 1 and 2, and Cleveland and the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center have grades 3-5.

With the return to the original timetable at Kennedy, it means that Eisenhower School will house 6th grade students and the High School will house grades 7-12 for an additional year.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the building project, please contact my office at 218-998-0544, ext. 1010.

Jerry Ness is the superintendent of the Fergus Falls School District. His column appears Wednesdays.