JSCB Meeting Summary – July 23, 2026

The Joint Schools Construction Board (JSCB) met on July 23, 2026, to approve routine items, receive reports from the secretary and program manager, and pass resolutions for monthly payments and a final phase-two budget adjustment. The meeting focused on progress toward schematic design completion, the start of PLA negotiations, and the preparation of swing space for upcoming school renovations.

Reports

• Secretary’s Report – Joe reported that CNS is now officially on board as construction manager and is working with Turner and JSCB staff. The PLA attorney has contacted the trades attorney to schedule a meeting, which has not yet occurred due to summer vacations; an update is expected by the August board meeting. He noted that payment resolution #16 is higher than usual because it includes the Huber Brewer payment discussed in June and a one-time purchase (from Landon and Ryan) of all phase-two data related to minority and prevailing wage documentation, so the city now owns that data permanently. Going forward, the ICL software relationship has been adjusted to avoid similar data ownership issues. Also starting in September, quarterly diversity reporting will replace the current frequency.
• Program Manager’s Report – The program manager stated that the schematic design (SD) phase is nearly complete. Architects have finished SD-level documents, and the construction manager’s estimating team is reviewing estimates against scope to ensure budget alignment. This reconciliation should wrap up next week, followed by submission to the State Education Department (SED) by the end of next week or the following week. The SED submission will provide a second check on maximum capital authorization (MCA) for each building. The team will then move into design development (DD), with a DD submission to SED targeted for November 2026. Final plans and approvals are expected in the second quarter of 2027, allowing construction to begin in the third quarter of 2027. The program manager also noted that 2027 will be a heavy construction year (including work on I-81 and other projects), but the two cape-coded school buildings are expected to attract bidders, and the high school’s one-phase renovation is being sequenced to remain attractive. No conflicts with nearby construction were identified.

Discussion Items

• Swing Space for Shea and Levy – In response to a board member’s question, the program manager confirmed that both Shea and Levy will serve as swing space. A neighborhood association (Strathmore) had inquired about Shea. The superintendent added that the school district (not JSCB) will prepare the swing schools using its own forces; students will move in over the summer and remain until their home school project is completed. There is no significant cost factor for preparing the buildings, as they are already in good shape (OIT currently uses space at Shea).
• Phase Two Closeout – The secretary clarified that resolution #17 is a budget amendment for phase two, covering the final closeout of the Expeditionary Learning Middle School (ELMS) and the Huber Brewer contract. No further phase-two adjustments are anticipated. Remaining phase-two funds will be used for debt service, and the board is considering another bond refunding next year to take advantage of lower interest rates.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar – The minutes of the June 25, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote (motion and second).
• Resolution #16 (Monthly Payments) – Approved unanimously. The payment amounts are set forth in the appendix, which includes the Huber Brewer payment and the data purchase described in the secretary’s report.
• Resolution #17 (Phase Two Budget Adjustment) – Approved unanimously (motion and second). The adjustment reflects the final closeout of the ELMS and Huber Brewer contract.
• Adjournment – The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.