BCS Capital Improvement Costs Much Higher Than Anticipated
By Irene McCollar
The Berlin Central School Board of Education hosted a public round-table meeting Thursday evening, June 6. First on the agenda was the proposed change of school hours and some bus runs, after which associates of Synthesis Architectural and Planning reported on the status of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) bids and budget.
Middle and High Schools Principal Cathy Allain opened the meeting with a report on a change to a later school day start time and a reduction in bus runs. The idea of a later start, which she first presented to the Board at earlier meetings, is based in large part on a study of the Circadian Rhythm sleep patterns of teenagers, which found that teens naturally do not fall asleep until later at night, which greatly affects their ability to learn in early morning. The study suggests the opportunity to sleep even a little later in the morning enables a better focus on studies and improved academic success.
Under her plan, school hours would change to a 7:50 am to 2:45 pm schedule at the middle and high schools, and from 8:45 am to 3 pm at the Elementary School. At present, middle and high schoolers begin their day at 7 am, in addition to long bus rides.
Regarding bus runs, there would still be 2 morning runs, while there would be a single, age-blended run at day’s end. Later runs for extracurricular schedules would be at 4 and 5 pm. Students, she said, have expressed overwhelming approval of the idea, and announced a plan to provide training to a select group of older students, to mentor the interaction between the elementary aged children and older students. This idea received a positive reaction from those present. The idea was expressed that age blending might actually be a good thing for all students, with the older students fostering a sense of responsibility to help and behave more appropriately in the presence of the younger ones.
Bus Mechanic Rick Wager was present to express his concerns for the portion of the CIP that concerned the school’s Transportation Department, as well as the ramifications to bus drivers should the combined afternoon run be implemented. At the top of his list is a possible five-hour per week loss of wages for drivers. Ms. Allain responded this is a major concern to her as well and she has been working hard to find a solution. Mr. Wager reported there is a serious shortage of drivers to cover regular runs. Three positions remain open and in light of how little interest has been shown, he is not hopeful they will be filled for the start of school in the Fall.
Mr. Wager and the Board then discussed at length the tough budget situation in regard to previously planned improvements to the Transportation Department, which were now in serious danger of being cut from the CIP.
Thus began the second part of the meeting, which focused on the bids and funding. Jim Graham of Synthesis delivered bad news in the form of serious budget short falls and a shortage of contractor interest.
Several factors affected both issues, including recent unanticipated sharp increases in materials and labor costs, a severe lack of subcontractor interest and shortage of skilled labor. Existing bidders agreed to a 45 day hold while the Board grapples with the situation; with contracts to be executed by June 28.
The good news, said Mr. Graham, although bids came in much higher than originally anticipated, is that at least one was received for all prime contracts. These “low” or solitary bidders have expressed a desire to contract and are solid and reliable contractors. These bidders have a history of working hard to maintain subcontract interest. However, there is a budget shortfall in excess of $1.7 million for the $13 million project.
Synthesis’s complete report including a suggested list of potential reductions to the scope of the Project and minutes of the June 6 round table meeting can be found on the BCS web site.