Changes coming to Highland’s school construction project. Here’s what we know

Highland school leaders are making changes to the planned school construction project as costs are rising higher than the expected revenue.

The total cost for the school construction program is now projected at approximately $46.8 million, whereas the original budget set by the district was $42 million, according to Superintendent Mike Sutton. In order to bring the project in on budget, the Highland District 5 school board identified a number of items that Sutton said would be bid as alternate bids to control cost overruns.

For example, the vocational room at Highland Middle School, the covering of the front walkways and two classrooms at Highland Primary will be set as alternate bids, for a total reduction of about $1.5 million.

“We are still hoping that the market corrects before the anticipated March bid process, but are cautious not to exceed the budget as we move forward,” Sutton said.

The district also committed to buying all technology and furniture from local funds, removing $1 million from the project budget, and committing another $850,000 from other sources.

“With the original $42 million, an additional $1.5 million from potential interest revenue, $1.85 million additional local commitment, and the approximately $1.5 million alternate bids, we should be okay to move forward with the project if the bids come in on target,” Sutton said. “We are hopeful they come in lower than budgeted.”

Highland District 5 plans to construct the new primary school near Poplar Street and Arkansas Road to serve pre-kindergarten through second grades with approximately 650 students and 70 staff members.

The construction program was the result of the tax referendum approved by voters earlier this year, intended to fund the new elementary school and expand the middle school.