On January 17, 2025, the Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC) convened to discuss the upcoming construction phases of the new school at the existing Fort River site. The meeting revealed that construction is set to recommence by the end of this month, with CTA Construction LLC taking charge as the general contractor. Key stakeholders expressed optimism about overcoming previous challenges and emphasized the importance of maintaining the project's timeline despite delays.

The Owner’s Project Manager, Kseniya Slavsky from Accenture, introduced Jeff Hazelwood from CTA Construction. Hazelwood conveyed his appreciation for the town’s unwavering support throughout a series of bid protests from workers’ groups and competing contractors. These disputes were recently resolved, with the Attorney General’s office acknowledging procedural irregularities but concluding that these did not invalidate the procurement process.

Bruce Coldham, an ESBC member, inquired about the impact of delays on the project’s completion schedule. Amherst Special Capital Projects Manager Bob Peirent assured the committee that students would still occupy the new building by fall 2026, with all site work expected to be finished by spring 2027. However, he noted that accelerating certain activities would incur additional costs due to overtime work.

Slavsky highlighted the initial construction phase, which involves removing soil to prepare the foundation area. This step will help compress the soil, preventing future settlement issues. She also addressed concerns about increased traffic and noise levels, confirming that measures are in place to minimize disruptions, especially for students with sensory sensitivities.

Angelica Bernal, representing the Special Education Parents Advisory Council, reiterated the importance of managing noise levels and ensuring clear communication. Additionally, discussions touched upon the energy use intensity analysis, with some members questioning whether current assumptions might be too conservative. Rupert Roy-Clark, the School Facilities Director, indicated that the net zero subcommittee would address these concerns.

The ESBC plans to meet monthly throughout the construction period, ensuring continuous oversight and timely adjustments to any emerging issues. The community remains hopeful that the project will stay on track, delivering a state-of-the-art educational facility for future generations.