Whitman Middle School Building Committee - August 18, 2026 meeting

The Whitman Middle School Building Committee held a meeting on August 18, 2026, focusing primarily on the ongoing construction project and related financial matters. Key procurement discussions included approval of change orders 10 and 11, valued at approximately $78,000 and $223,000 respectively, which addressed coordination issues, design adjustments, and unforeseen costs such as National Grid's utility pole installation damages and overtime charges. The committee reviewed detailed financial updates, including expenditures exceeding $66 million on construction and administrative costs nearing $2.6 million, with a remaining project balance of over $44 million. Invoice approvals were granted for architectural and project management services, and the committee discussed procedural improvements for warrant approvals to expedite vendor payments. Additionally, the committee deliberated on the design and wording of a dedication plaque acknowledging Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) funding, with plans to review samples from other projects before finalizing. The meeting also included updates on construction progress and scheduling, with substantial completion targeted for December 17, 2026, and school opening planned for February 2027.