Three more projects to go and the new Oxford High School’s extreme make-over will be a wrap, according to Dave Griggs, senior project manager with Etkin-Skanska, Inc.
In his November construction report, Griggs told the school board the project nearest to completion is the high school natatorium or swimming pool facilities (see above story), which should be open to students and the general public by January.
In addition to the pool area, Griggs said the school’s new auditorium will also be finished by January. All that remains is completion of the band shell and orchestra pit along with delivery and installation of the auditorium seats.
Spreading top soil and seeding the baseball practice fields is the last major project to be completed. Griggs said the fields will be ready in time for the start of baseball season.
‘I’m not going anywhere,? he said. ‘We are going to monitor the fields until they are ready.?
‘Basically, this takes care of the project in general,? Griggs told school officials. ‘I’m looking forward to giving it to you.?
Griggs told officials that it does not look like the final construction costs for the bond project will be as far over budget as previously estimated in the spring.
In April 2004, Griggs reported the overall bond issue was $976,931 over budget.
At that time, he said there was hope that cost savings from other district projects, such as recently completed middle school construction project, would aid in bringing the total overages down.
Currently, Griggs said the new high school project appeared to be about $234,104 over budget.
‘We’re still working on the budget, the costs are fluid and we will get the final figure after the project is complete.?
‘But we’re forecasting the worst and working backwards,? said Griggs.
Finally, Griggs reported he still anticipates the entire project will be completed within the original time frame.