New elementary school on schedule and under budget

Construction of the new elementary school on Minot Avenue is on track and under budget, as the school has been demolished and the site has been prepared for construction.

The school is set to be substantially completed in October 2021, with classes beginning there in January 2022 when students return from winter break.

Geoff Swett, the chair of the Minot Forest School Building Committee, said that the timing has the advantage of saving the town money, and allowing students to visit the new school before moving in. The town has also been able to secure low-interest loans, which offer additional savings.

Currently, the site is covered in bright green hydromulch, a substance meant to prevent erosion and control dust. The hydromulch is one of many solutions meant to help control erosion and stormwater run-off on the site during construction.

The design of the school has been finalized.

The school will be three stories tall, with two wings extending from the central core. Each grade level will have its own space, while classrooms for subjects like music and art will be shared by all grades in the central core, dubbed the “Innovation Hub.”

The grounds will also include a playground, kickball courts, and two soccer fields.

The request for bids for subcontractors and a general contractor will be released to more than 80 pre-approved contractors on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Bids will be due in February, first from subcontractors, and then from general contractors.

Chad Crittendon from PMA Consultants, who is managing the project, said that contractors will likely start digging the foundation in March and pour concrete several weeks later.

While the plans for the school are largely the same as what was initially proposed, the committee has made many tweaks and refinements over the months.

Security measures, including security cameras and bulletproof glass, will be used strategically throughout the building. The entire building will be air-conditioned.