Dispute With Construction Management Company Arises Before Opening Of New Schools

Chairs, desks and electronics are being loaded into Bristol Township’s two new 1,300-student elementary schools weeks before their opening, but there is a dispute with one contractor

The two schools – Brookwood Elementary School on Haines Road and Mill Creek Elementary School on Mill Creek Road – are planned to welcome students come the first day after winter break on Tuesday, January 5.

The roughly $40 million buildings will only take in students from Ralph W. Emerson Elementary School and James Buchanan Elementary School starting in the new year. Students from other feeder schools will begin in the “state-of-the-art” schools in September 2016.

At a recent school board meeting, the board tabled voting on whether to extend a $24,500 per month construction management contract with Reynolds Construction Management. The previous deal expired on September 30 and district officials have some disputes with the central Pennsylvania company that is leading work on all three schools.

The dispute centers on the payment that is owed to Reynold for work done in October and November.

Board President Angela Nober and Superintendent Dr. Melanie Gehrens both told reporters they were not going to get into specifics but said the matter is being disputed is being reviewed by attorneys.

Since being approved several years back, the project has faced numerous delays and cost overruns. The problems are linked to various issues that have cropped up.

Board member Jim Baker has raised issues with the contract at the last two school board meetings. He noted most recently that he does not think the district should pay the full amount when only punch list items needed to be completed.

Gehrens said there is a separate pay scale for construction management following the opening on the schools.

The district recently amended their calendar to make Monday, January 4 a professional development day and a day off for students. The change was made to help staff move into the new buildings.

In mid-2015, Bristol Township School District officials announced construction on Brookwood, Mill Creek and Keystone elementary schools was behind scheduled. They stated construction delays would cause the two Levittown schools to open behind schedule.

Currently, the district and township are working together to make sure all permits are obtained and classes for students will begin on time in the new year.

During the spring and summer, the Emerson and Buchanan buildings will be demolished to make room for parking and green areas.

Nober told LevittownNow.com a community day in spring will allow families to check out the two new buildings.