Supervisor’s approve 2.5 million in next step for new Colonial Elementary construction

On June 25^th, the Board of Supervisors approved 2.5 million in funding to the next step in the construction of the new Colonial School. But not without a good scolding from Supervisor Steve Clinton who boldly said, “A project that starts out badly, usually ends badly.” Clinton spent his career in construction and engineering projects.

In May of 2018 the Supervisors approved the issuance of 22. 5 million in general obligation bonds for the new school construction. The extra 2.5 million approved came from the county’s general fund to fully fund the new school project after the bids came in higher than expected.

Site preparation is nearly finished after months of rain delays early in the process.

Seven bidders qualified with only two bidding the project. The result was the low bid way over cost at about 4 million in overage, (which was announced at the last school board meeting.)  With the help of School board member John Alderson, and former supervisor John Williamson as negotiators and ex-officio Fincastle Supervisor Dick Bailey attending, the two men have help negotiate the cost over runs with the bidder. Jim Whitten the project manager for the schools participated  with the input from Colonial principal Tammy Riggs. Due to increased student population, 4 more classrooms have been added while energy efficiency and other cost saving measures are bringing down the totals on the over run.

After Clinton said his piece, the board approved the next step in funding.

Story and photo by Cathy Benson