Hillsborough County Public Schools Facilities
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, February 21, 2006
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

SYMMES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
DEMOLITION AND RECONSTRUCTION
APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS AND GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Symmes Elementary School was designed and constructed by the team of Portela & Associates and Beers Construction Company, now owned by Skanska USA Building, Inc. Over the last four and one-half years, the school has experienced unusual cracking of the walls and floors. On October 20, 2003, the School Board entered into a tolling agreement with the architect, construction manager and geotechnical consultant. A tolling agreement stops the running of the statutory period allowed for establishing possible claims and the parties are allowed additional time to consider the issues and work toward a resolution. Subsequent investigations have revealed unsuitable soils remained beneath the failed structures. Testing is complete and it has been determined that Buildings 2 and 3 will need to be demolished and reconstructed. Legal issues are being addressed to assign financial responsibility to accountable parties. On May 3, 2005, the Board appointed Cooper Johnson Smith Architects, Inc. and Batson-Cook Company to provide design and construction management services. The scope of work includes a new classroom building and media center. The Frost Elementary School prototype design will be used for these replacement facilities.

Approval of the guaranteed price will provide a maximum cost for the facility. Project completion is scheduled for June 28, 2006.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

Critical Success Factor 6.a.8 - Provide sufficient student stations to ensure uninterrupted student learning and data gathering as measured by District Operational Goals plan.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Construction cost is warranted at $4,235,572. The construction budget is $4,500,000. This item is included in the District Capital Outlay: 2 Mill.

EVALUATION

SUBMITTED BY:

J. Thomas Blackwell
General Manager of Construction
(813) 272-4112
Cathy L. Valdes
Chief Facilities Officer
(813) 272-4004
6.08cR
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20060221_170 * Section E Item# 6.08cR