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 Buildings 2 and 3 have been 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 included a new classroom building and media center. The Frost Elementary School prototype design was used for these replacement facilities. Students recently occupied the new buildings at the start of the current school year.

This change order provides for the final reconciliation of the Direct Purchase Program.

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.

This item is included in the District Capital Outlay: 2 Mill.
Contract Status:
Guaranteed Maximum Price: $4,235,572.00
Change Orders Previously Approved: $612,601.38 Credit
Change Order Recommended Herein: $7,233.44 Extra
Revised Guaranteed Maximum Price: $3,630,204.06
Revised Construction Cost: $4,210,096.69
Contract Completion Date: June 28, 2006