Bond 2016

On Nov. 8, 2016, Union County voters approved $54 million for school bonds. The referendum passed with 70.69 percent of votes. The $54 million will provide funding for seven projects—a new transportation facility, classroom additions and safety repairs.

In 2017, the Board of Education voted to adjust the scope of the seven bond projects. This decision was made due to changes in cost from initial or early bid estimates and an updated school capacity study completed by Dr. Jerome McKibben and Mr. Matthew Cropper. Although individual bond project budgets have changed, the total bond budget remains at approximately $54 million, which is what was approved by the voters in 2016.

Why did we need a bond?

Prepare for growth
Repair aging facilities
Address much-needed renovations
Address safety repairs
Increase capacity at six schools that are near capacity
Sustain growth through 2025-26
Build a new transportation facility with adequate service and maintenance bays

UCPS Bond History

Union County voters approved school bonds in 2000, 2004 and 2006. The funds provided new construction, renovations and additions at facilities across the county. In addition, past bond dollars were used to address safety upgrades and football stadium improvements.

Project Details

Monroe High School

Original Project

Add 8 classrooms, 2 teacher workrooms and 2 teacher offices.
Remove/Repurpose mobile units. Increase student capacity to 1,500 (Maximum).
Original Budget: $3,452,760

Proposed Project

Add 6 CTE/general classrooms, add a new elevator and improved circulation. FY17 and FY18 $1.8 million in CIP projects.
Revised Budget: $4,275,313

Completed Project

6 additional classrooms, new elevator and improved circulation.

Timeline

Nov. 1, 2016: The bid/award phase will take place in November and December.
Jan. 3, 2017: The design phase for this project begins in January and will continue through the month of October.
April 25, 2017: First design meeting held with Ms. Heintel and staff.
May 18, 2017: Second bond charrette meeting at 10 a.m.
Jan. 19, 2018: Project is in design development phase.
Feb. 21, 2018: Anticipate receiving bids in May 2018.
May 23, 2018: Bids received May 10. Bids were presented to the committee today with BOE approval proposed for June 5.
July 25, 2018: Permits received for construction of classroom building. Work starting in new classroom addition.
Aug. 23, 2018: Demo of walkway canopy and elevator lift complete. Clearing complete for new classroom building.
Sept. 27, 2018: New classroom wing's pad complete.
Oct. 31, 2018: Construction of new classroom wing footings and utility rough-ins are in progress; 60% of footings have been placed in classroom wing.
Nov. 29, 2018: Construction of the new classroom wind foundation walls are mostly complete to finish floor elevation.
Jan. 16, 2019: Construction of new classroom wing slab is complete and masonry classroom/corridor walls are in process.
March 20, 2019: Block, steel bar joist and decking completed in classroom wing. Roofing, mechanical, plumbing and electrical underway.
April 17, 2019: Roofing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, air barrier and brick veneer underway in new classroom wing.
July 22, 2019: Work at the new classroom wing is wrapping up with punch listing phase beginning last week.
Sept. 24, 2019: Classroom wing was finished and ready for the start of the school year.

Piedmont High School

Original Project

Add 4 classrooms, two teacher offices and teacher workrooms.
Increase student capacity to 1,600 (maximum).
Original Budget: $2,148,384

Proposed Project

Renovate 6 existing science classrooms.
Revised Budget: $1,597,653

Completed Project

Renovation of 6 existing science classrooms.

Timeline

Jan. 5, 2017: Architect interviews.
Jan. 12, 2017: Architect interviews.
May 15, 2017: First design charrette meeting at 3 p.m.
Feb. 21, 2018: Anticipate receiving bids in May 2018.
April 20, 2018: Anticipate advertising for bids on April 29, pre-bid meeting on May 7, receiving bids on May 17, FC review approximately May 24 and BOE approval on June 5.
May 23, 2018: Bids were received on May 15 but an insufficient number of bidders; the project will be rebid on May 31 and the recommended bid is anticipated to be presented to the committee prior to the BOE meeting.
July 23, 2018: HVAC and electrical work happening in the auditorium. Steel stud framing, plumbing and electrical underway in G building.
July 25, 2018: Demo work is underway as renovation work in the auditorium and G building.
Sept. 27, 2018: Painting in auditorium. Masonry is complete and gypsum wall board in progress in G building.
Oct. 31, 2018: Painting is complete in G building. Casework and HVAC systems have been installed in the G building.
Nov. 29, 2018: Doors and marker boards are installed in G building.
Jan. 16, 2019: Addition and renovations are substantially complete. Furniture was placed over winter break. Also pursuing pricing on additional lighting change outs.
March 20, 2019: Project is complete. Contract is approximately 99.7% paid out.
Sept. 24, 2019: Project is complete.

Porter Ridge High School

Original Project

Add 4 classrooms and expand cafeteria.
Increase student capacity to 1,800 (Maximum)
Original Budget: $1,496,196

Proposed Project

Add 2-4 classrooms, close in exterior dining space for additional seating capacity and circulation.
Revised Budget: 2,083,048

Completed Project

Additional dining space and circulation.

Timeline

Jan. 11, 2017: Architect interviews
May 22, 2017: First design charrette meeting at 3 p.m.
Feb. 21, 2018: Anticipate receiving bids in July, possibly June 2018.
April 20, 2018: the design development phase is complete. The construction document phase is underway.
May 23, 2018: The construction document phase is underway. Anticipate receiving bids on June 12 and taking to the BOE meeting near the end of the month.
July 25, 2018: The project bid came in over budget. 4 classrooms were proposed to be cut to bring the project back into the budget. A negotiated price is on the agenda for approval.
Aug. 23, 2018: Negotiated price developed with the second lowest bidder. The scope includes dining expansion and a new corridor. The construction contract is in the approval process.
Sept. 27, 2018: Construction contracts executed. Contractor mobilization is anticipated in late September. Substantial complete anticipate prior to start of school next school year.
Oct. 31, 2018: The contractor has mobilized on site.
Nov. 29, 2018: The contractor is completing site demolition and has relocated utilities.
Jan. 16, 2019: The new corridor and dining expansion has the concrete slab, stairs and ramp completed. Ductwork is being installed.
March 20, 2019: New corridor and dining expansion are further out due to long lead items.
July 22, 2019: Interior finishes are underway at both Porter Ridge Middle and High in the new classrooms and auxiliary gym.
Sept. 24, 2019: New corridor and dining expansion complete.

Porter Ridge Middle School

Original Project

Add 15 classrooms, expand Media Center, add 2 teacher workrooms. Remove/Repurpose mobile units.
Increase student capacity to 1,600 (maximum).
Original Budget: $6,272,514

Proposed Project

Add 3 classrooms and 2 resource rooms, add Auxiliary Gym per DPI guidelines, bid this as a combined project with PRHS.
Revised Budget: $2,892,852

Completed Project

3 additional classrooms, 2 additional resource rooms and an auxiliary gym.

Timeline

Jan. 11, 2017: Architect interviews
May 3, 2017: First design charrette meeting at 3 p.m.
Feb. 21, 2018: Anticipate receiving bids in July, possibly June 2018.
Apr. 20, 2018: The design development phase is complete.
May 23, 2018: This project will be bid with the PRHS project. One contract for both scopes.
July 25, 2018: Project bid with PRHS (one contract with both scopes). No scope changes are proposed as part of an effort to bring the project within budget. Negotiated price on agenda.
Aug. 23, 2018: Negotiated price developed with the second lowest bidder. The scope includes a dining expansion and new corridor. The construction contract is in the approval process.
Sept. 27, 2018: Construction contracts executed. Contractor mobilization is anticipated in late September. Substantial completion is anticipated prior to the start of school next year.
Oct. 31, 2018: The contractor has mobilized on site. Walkway canopies adjacent to are of the new auxiliary gym have been demolished.
Nov. 29, 2018: The contractor is completing site demolition and has relocated utilities.
Jan. 16, 2019: Fire wall construction is underway, and footings have been poured at the new classroom building.
March 20, 2019: Concrete block walls completed in the classroom building and working on auxiliary gym walls.
April 17, 2019: Concrete block walls in the classroom building are completed. Brick veneer, mechanical, electrical and plumbing are underway.
July 22, 2019: Interior finishes are underway at both Porter Ridge Middle and High in the new classrooms and auxiliary gym.
Sept. 24, 2019: New classrooms are in use and the auxiliary gym has been completed.

Sun Valley High School

Original Project

Add 10 classrooms, auditorium renovation, new athletic stadium, expand administrative office area, add teacher workrooms, expand cafeteria and kitchen, new chorus room, HVAC and plumbing upgrades, ADA renovations.
Remove/Repurpose mobile units.
Increase student capacity to 1,800 (Maximum).
Original Budget: $24,364,734

Proposed Project

Add 4 new CTE classrooms, repurpose administration for flexible use or classrooms, add new administration and cafeteria/kitchen, add new stadium, HVAC and bathroom upgrades.
Revised Budget: $28,570,010

Completed Project

New stadium complex, new practice fields, new bus parking lot, 4 new classrooms, HVAC and bathroom upgrades, auditorium renovations, large group multipurpose classroom, performing arts classroom as well as new administration and guidance suites, main entrance, dining and kitchen areas.

Timeline

Dec. 5, 2016: Architect interviews.
Feb. 6, 2017: The design phase for this project to run through January 2018.
April 18, 2017: Held first design charrette.
Feb. 26, 2017: IT Planning Department meeting.
May 2, 2017: Held second charrette meeting.
Jan. 19, 2018: The site portion of the project is in the construction document phase. The building portion of the project is in the design development phase.
March 29, 2018: The site portion of the project is in the construction documents phase; anticipate bids in May. The building portion of the project in the design development phase anticipates bids in August 2018.
April 20, 2018: The site portion of the project is in the bid phase. Anticipate receiving bids on May 11. The building portion is in the design development phase. Anticipate receiving bids in August.
May 23, 2018: Phase 1 GMP will be received after May 25. The building portion of the project is in the design phase. Anticipate going out for bids in August, receive in September, and award in October.
July 25, 2018: Phase 1 and 2 bid packages are being combined. Phase 2 construction docs are nearing completion. Final bid documents are available for the project to be rebid in August.
Aug. 23, 2018: Phase 1 and 2 packages advertised for bid. Purchasing issued a purchase order for a removable wall system for use in the final product.
Sept. 27, 2018: Phase 1 and 2 have been combined into one bid. Bid date was delayed due to Florence and will require Facilities Committee and BOE meetings in October. Expect to make BOC meeting in October.
Oct. 12, 2018: UCPS Boe approved a proposal by Branch and the BOCC approved the funding request on Oct. 15. A Notice of Intent to award the contract has been issued to Branch.
Nov. 29, 2018: Contractors are installing construction fencing around the site and around the new CTE classrooms/admin/dining and kitchen.
Jan. 16, 2019: Demolition of the weight room and tennis courts occurred during reak. Building permit in hand for all new construction minus stadium-related buildings.
March 20, 2019: Relocation of public sewer line underneath the football field. Crews are constructing the practice field. New kitchen, dining, admin and CTE areas moved to September.
April 17, 2019: Work underway grading fields, installing underground plumbing/electrical, adding lighting and mass grading at the site. Pouring slabs in May for kitchen/CTE/dining.
July 1, 2019: New stadium taking shape. Old concession building demolished. The home bleachers and press box are partially demolished.
July 22, 2019: The stadium continues to be a work in progress. Work continues with the new CTE area, bathroom upgrades and HVAC replacements.
Sept. 24, 2019: Sod placed, construction of visitor concession/restrooms and storage building. Grandstands and press box is completed. Work continues with CTE, kitchen and dining.
Dec. 19, 2019: Brick veneer in the new kitchen/dining/CTE area along with ductwork and electrical. Practice fields have been sodded.
Sept. 29, 2020: SVHS officially reopened to students and staff.
May 24, 2021: Scope of work is complete.

Transportation Facility

Original Project

Build a new transportation facility with adequate service bays and maintenance areas to accommodate entire UCPS bus fleet.
Original Budget: $12,000,000

Proposed Project

12 service bays down from 16, metal building construction with metal and block veneer cladding, offices, training rooms, parts storage, bus wash and support areas included.
Revised Budget: $14,861,656

Completed Project

Additional 12 service bays, offices/training rooms and storage area.

Timeline

Jan. 3, 2017: The design phase will take place beginning the month of January and will continue through July.
Jan. 19, 2018: Review of 95% of construction documents complete. Specifications are in development.
Feb. 21, 2018: Review of 95% of construction documents has been completed. Specs are in development. Awaiting sewer. No bid date set.
March 29, 2018: Awaiting sewer service acceptance, thus which authorities have jurisdiction. Once determined, the remaining design work to meet AHJ requirements will begin.
April 20, 2018: No bid date set.
May 23, 2018: Initiated efforts to pursue city water and sewer service. Expected to receive bids for this project in late summer.
July 25, 2018: Survey and civil design work continues as connections with city water and sewer are pursued. Site utilities are in design. Anticipate project advertisement in September.
Aug. 23, 2018: Civil engineers completed the site utility design and submitted drawings to the city for review. We're awaiting a resolution of an access easement.
Sept. 27, 2018: Entry into the annexation and conditional district processes occurred via application. The tentative bid/award schedule includes advertising in October and the award in December.
Oct. 29, 2018: A pre-bid meeting was held on Oct. 29 and the bid date is Nov. 8. There's a plan to recommend a bid for an award at the December BOE meeting.
Nov. 13, 2018: Bids for construction were received; a recommendation for the award will be presented to BOE at the December meeting.
Jan. 7, 2019: A pre-construction meeting was held for this bond project, and the contract has been executed. A building permit is expected around February.
March 20, 2019: Contractor has staked entry drive. Erosion control and clearing are to begin on March 25. The building permit has not yet been received.
April 17, 2019: Erosion control and site clearing activities underway.
June 27, 2019: Transportation Facility taking shape.
July 22, 2019: The Transportation Center has all necessary permits in hand and product submittals are being developed, reviewed and sent for approval.
Sept. 24, 2019: Concrete pads have been poured and gravel for bus storage areas has been placed. The entry drive has been asphalted.
Dec. 19, 2019: Painting exposed steel, insulating the roof, and installing roof panels in the bus bay. Metal stud drywall framing continues, and brick veneer is being added.
Oct. 15, 2019: The project is complete.

Western Union Elementary School

Original Project

Add 8 classrooms, expand cafeteria, add 2 teacher workrooms. Remove/Repurpose mobile units.
Increase student capacity to 804 (Maximum).
Original Budget: $3,882,437

Proposed Project

Improve campus traffic circulation, screening and appearance, add canopies. FY17 and FY18 $2.3 million in CIP projects.
Revised Budget: $517,759

Completed Project

New connecting corridor for buildings, new canopies, architectural fencing.

Timeline

Jan. 10, 2017: Architect interviews.
May 8, 2017: First design charrette meeting at 2:30 p.m.
Jan. 19, 2018: Projects are in design development.
Feb. 21, 2018: Anticipate receiving bids for construction in April 2018
April 20, 2018: Bids were received on April 4 and allowed the budget for the base bid and all alternates. Bids are being presented to the committee.
May 23, 2018: The contract for construction has been executed. A pre-construction meeting was held on May 15. The start date on site is June 13.
July 25, 2018: The contractor is working on the connecting corridor building and renovation areas. The contract is currently invoiced at 23%.
Aug. 23, 2018: Canopies and louvers may be completed late (possibly in January).
Sept. 27, 2018: Work in progress on the connecting corridor and exterior fencing enclosures. The project is approximately 66% complete and paid.
Oct. 31, 2018: Work continues on the connecting corridor, new canopies and exterior fencing enclosures. Project is approximately 80% complete.
Nov. 29, 2018: New canopy installation is underway.
Jan. 7, 2019: The new structure serving as a connecting corridor between existing building is complete and eliminates exposure to weather conditions.
March 20, 2019: This contract is approximately 95% paid out.
July 22, 2019: The school is awaiting a new canopy addition scheduled to arrive in August.
Sept. 24, 2019: The project is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bond?

Why do we need bonds to renovate schools?

What’s included in the bond project list?

The $54 million bond will fund seven projects—renovations, additions and safety repairs at six schools and a new transportation facility.

Porter Ridge Middle, Porter Ridge High, Sun Valley High, Monroe High, Piedmont High and Western Union Elementary will receive additional classrooms and much needed repairs and upgrades. The bond proposal also includes money to address safety repairs, renovations for heating and cooling systems, enlarging cafeterias and additional workspace for teachers.

The current transportation facility on Venus Street was built in 1980. It is 28,000 square feet and is shared with the maintenance department. A new transportation facility will provide an additional 50,000 square feet with space for maintenance and repair bays, storage and parking for buses. Currently, there are six maintenance bays for the entire bus fleet. The new facility will have 16 maintenance bays. Funding will also address safety and system upgrades for the transportation department.

What happens if the bond doesn’t pass?

If the bond passes on Nov. 8, when will construction projects begin?

How were the projects selected for the 2016 school bond?

My child’s school is not on the list, why should I be concerned with renovations, additions and a new transportation facility?

Union County residents value quality schools and adequate learning environments. When school capacities are properly managed and planned for, it benefits the entire county. Previous bonds were approved for new schools/renovations between 2000 and 2009. Supporting this bond allows UCPS to increase school capacity in high growth areas and creates county wide stability through 2025-26.