News Summary
The Pender County Board of Education has selected MBP as the construction management firm for the new K-8 school project, which includes J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle Schools. This decision follows a competitive selection process and comes as part of efforts to enhance educational facilities in the county. The project, with a budget now exceeding $135 million, is expected to be completed by fall 2027, focusing on innovative environmental management amid construction challenges.
Pender County Schools Board Approves MBP for K-8 School Project Management
The Pender County Board of Education has made a significant decision in the development of a new K-8 school project, approving MBP as the construction management firm for the upcoming J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle Schools. This choice comes as part of the ongoing efforts to improve educational facilities within the county, with the board unanimously supporting MBP over other finalists, including Cumming Group, Turner, Townsend and Heery.
Selection Process and Responsibilities
MBP was chosen from a competitive field of three firms after the school board sought construction management teams through a formal request for proposals. Out of the initial 11 responses, MBP stood out for its experience and expertise. The firm will oversee a variety of responsibilities, including managing contracts, expenses, scheduling, risk mitigation, and ensuring full compliance with building codes and regulations. The construction will be executed by Bordeaux Construction, while Moseley Architects will be responsible for the design aspects.
Project Timeline and Budget
Groundbreaking for the K-8 school, which sits on a substantial 145-acre campus located on N.C. Highway 210 in Hampstead, took place in the fall of 2023, with an expected completion date set for fall 2027. The school project is an integral part of a broader $178-million bond referendum approved by voters in 2022, which allocated over $111 million specifically for the K-8 facility. However, the project’s budget has now increased to more than $135 million, which includes an additional $6.7 million earmarked for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Taking into account allowances and contingencies, the total estimated cost now stands at $142.2 million.
Current Progress and Future Plans
As of now, construction progress is around 34% complete, with foundational work and wall structures already underway. Due to the complicated nature of the building site—40% of which includes wetlands—MBP is focusing on innovative environmental management strategies, including the installation of culverts and a pedestrian bridge to help preserve the landscape. The most significant risk to timely completion is weather-related, particularly since the region is prone to hurricanes.
Operational Insights and Management Structure
MBP brings a wealth of experience to this project, having managed numerous school projects, hospitals, and government buildings since its inception in 1989. They have recently completed a K-8 facility in Bladen County and are engaged in several construction projects in Danville, Virginia. MBP’s project manager, Michael Burris, will be visiting the site bi-weekly to ensure smooth operations, while additional team members will be available as needed.
Support Structure and Future Implications
It’s important to note that the services provided by MBP will be funded through the previously approved bond, and no additional projects covered by the bond will be launched until the K-8 school is finished. Additionally, the contract with Bordeaux Construction includes an extended warranty period of two and a half years for handling any potential post-completion issues.
Operational Changes Ahead
As the project progresses, the school board is currently in the process of searching for a new chief operations officer, following the exit of the previous COO in February. This leadership transition could further influence the direction and execution of the K-8 school project.
The decision to engage a project management firm emerged during preliminary discussions regarding the school bond referendum in 2021, indicating a long-term strategy focused on enhancing educational infrastructure in Pender County.
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Additional Resources
- Port City Daily: Pender School Board Hires Project Management Team
- WECT: Major Progress Underway for New K-8 School Pender County
- WWAY: Pender County School Board Approves Key Projects
- Google Search: Pender County K-8 School Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pender County Schools
