District facilities staff updated the board on capital work at multiple sites and on Town Acres construction.

Joe Barnes, speaking for the building projects team, said vestibule work is progressing and expected to be complete on schedule (around the end of November/Dec. 1). He reported that the Town Acres site had mobilized, fences were in place and playground removal had begun ahead of the site's official groundbreaking. Staff said the project manager, Marcus Wilcox, and district construction leads had identified 15 mature trees that will remain (mostly along Tornado Lane), and that two trees in close proximity to field drainage or construction activities must be removed. The project will add 27 new trees following construction.

Board members raised questions about tree removal after parents and staff expressed concern; Barnes said the two removals are part of the approved plans but that the majority of old-growth trees are being retained. Staff also told the board they will review details at a progress meeting prior to the groundbreaking to ensure contractors follow the plan.

Board members discussed project allowances and contingencies. Administrators said they were cautiously optimistic that unspent allowances and possible cost savings could cover furnishings, but cautioned that a final determination depends on subsurface conditions and allowances that will be clarified in the coming months.

No vote was required on the construction update. The board asked staff to continue to communicate with principals, families and project managers about tree preservation, construction timing and allowances.