news-record.com

GREENSBORO — Guilford County Schools officials again face criticism from school board members for delays in bond-funded construction projects.

The Board of Education learned Thursday that the district likely won’t complete the renovation of the football stadium and construction of a new fieldhouse at Northwest High until August 2012, at least a year behind schedule. Gymnasium renovations also are on hold at High Point Central.

“We know there (are) problems (at High Point Central) and we need to get on it now,”  member Darlene Garrett said during a board meeting. “We can’t continue to drag our feet. It’s hurting the school, and it’s not right.”

For months, board members have blamed the slow work pace at some schools on inadequate planning and budgeting among facilities staff. Delayed projects include:
 

• Stadium and track improvements at Dudley High that were bid three times this year. The board ultimately decided to increase the budget by
• $2 million and pay for it by transferring savings from another project. Construction began last week.
• Stadium and track improvements at Northwest High that were put off after bids came in over budget in December 2010. The project is being redesigned and put out to bid again this December.
• Gym renovations at High Point Central that were stalled by an overwhelmed contractor. The school’s basketball teams will play their home games at Southwest and Ragsdale as a result.
• Board member Ed Price said he worries the delay will cut into High Point Central’s ticket revenue.

“It’s frustrating,” he said. “Someone sure dropped the ball somewhere. And it’s unfortunate.”

The district is reviewing its legal options and whether to sue the company for breach of contract, said Andy LaRowe, chief operations officer.

“When they fall this far behind on a project, it creates an impact for us,” LaRowe said. “We basically have to look at can they recover.”

LaRowe said his workers have tried to keep projects on schedule while accommodating various sports schedules and rising construction costs.

“We have to do our level best to design a project that will fit within that budget,” he said. “That’s really all we can do. Then we can bring it to the board.”

So far, the board has resisted increasing the budget for the Northwest project. But Garrett said she expects that will need to happen when the board receives contract recommendations in January.

“I want the same concern and moving on this project as we did with Dudley,” she said. “I want to see the same treatment for my people.”

Contact Morgan Josey Glover at 373-7078 or morgan.josey@news-record.com