BVMS under budget, ahead of schedule
By:
Jill Meier, Journal editor
Ahead of schedule and under budget were two pieces of good news that Superintendent Dr. Jarod Larson delivered to Brandon Valley’s Board of Education earlier this month regarding the middle school’s new addition.
The $1.5 million project, which added substantial square footage for new classroom learning opportunities, new restrooms, administrative offices and security entrance at the Middle School, is estimated to be $80,000 to $100,000 under budget. Larson also reported the project should be wrapped up before months’ end.
“Substantial completion will happen prior to Oct. 31. I’m not going to provide an actual move-in date, I will just tell you it’s in the very near future. Things are progressing very nicely over there,” he said.
The middle school offices were relocated from the east side of the commons to the south side to better accommodate the district’s secure entrance measures. While the building has had secure entry capabilities, the middle school is the last of the district buildings to gain a secure entry that filters visitors to the school through the office.
The secure entrance was made possible by relocating the administrative offices to the former orchestra/chorus room, while that program gained 300 square feet with its move to a new addition on the southwest side of the building.
New restrooms, including a family restroom, were added in the commons to better serve the public during events.
The former industrial technology classroom increased in size from 1,000 square feet to 2,400, and is now home to the district’s second SmartLab. BV Intermediate School also features a SmartLab, which students have had access to since that school’s opening three years ago.
“My hats off to director (Ty) Hentschel for the phenomenal work done,” Larson said. “(He) did a great job of leading and managing Beck & Hofer Construction out there. Overall, (a) very, very good project, that finished strong.”
Beck & Hofer Construction began work while classes were in session last spring. The initial phase was completed before school started in August, and the second phase, including punch list items, is wrapping up now.
