Several Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) maintenance and construction projects are moving forward. These projects include a significant change order for Rockville's Charles W. Woodward High School and the replacement of Burtonsville Elementary School. The county school board's approval of contracts on Dec. 5 marked a crucial step in these endeavors.

Unveiling the Progress of MCPS Construction Projects

Woodward High School: Overcoming Challenges

On Dec. 5, the school board approved a $569,804 change in the Woodward reopening project contract. Due to wage discrepancy issues, the completion of the school's unfinished black box theater was shifted into phase one. Woodward, under construction on Old Georgetown Road in Rockville, is currently serving Northwood High School students until August 2027 while the Silver Spring school is demolished and rebuilt. The project has faced delays due to budget shortfalls, supply chain issues, and increased material costs. In phase two, construction of the auditorium and other spaces continues as students attend classes. The black box theater, expected to be finished in phase one, remains unfinished. According to school board documents, phase two utilized prevailing wage, while phase one did not due to funding shortfalls. The black box project was originally included in phase one but was inadvertently included in phase two due to the timing of its design completion. The school board approved re-allocating the black box project into phase one, shifting $569,804 from the phase one contract and giving a $569,804 credit to the phase two contract. This change order will not affect the overall project cost.

Burtonsville Elementary: A New Beginning

The school board also approved a contract totaling more than $57 million with Massachusetts-based Consigli Construction Co. for the replacement of Burtonsville Elementary. In December 2023, the school board unanimously approved plans for this project. The new building will be at 14709 Saddle Creek Drive, about 2 miles from the current school. It will bring the school closer to neighborhoods and within walking distance for many students. The two-story building will feature an interior courtyard, solar panels, basketball courts, athletic fields, and upgraded playgrounds. According to the MCPS fiscal year 2026 capital budget, the scheduled completion date for this project is August 2026.

Gaithersburg Middle: Upgrading HVAC Systems

The school board approved a contract of more than $5.7 million for the second phase of replacing the Gaithersburg Middle School heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The district received bids from five companies ranging from $5.7 to $6.5 million and approved awarding a $5,750,500 contract to Paramount Mechanical Corp. of Manassas, Virginia.

Westover Elementary: Roofing Renewal

A $1.75 million contract was awarded to the Gaithersburg-based Interstate Corp. for the reroofing of Westover Elementary School in Silver Spring. The district received six bids from companies ranging from $1.75 million to roughly $2.03 million.If MoCo360 keeps you informed, connected, and inspired, circle up and join our community by becoming a member today. Your membership supports our community journalism and unlocks special benefits.