The Fayette County (Ky.) school board has delayed approval of a middle school construction project in Lexington after being told that the projected cost of the new school has jumped 49%.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that sizable increases in the cost of construction materials mean the school now is expected to cost $70.5 million.
“Construction costs across not only the Commonwealth but the country are increasing,” said school district chief operating officer Myron Thompson. “These are large-scale buildings.”
Board members put off a vote while they decide whether to accept the low bid or seek new proposals.
Construction on the new middle school in the Hamburg residential area, if approved, could open in fall 2023.
If the school board moves forward with the project it will be the first new middle school built by Fayette County Public Schools since Edythe J. Hayes Middle School in 2004. The middle school is planned for 1,200 students and will be 171,983 square feet in size.
The estimated construction budget for the project earlier in the year was $38.4 million with a total project cost of $47.2 million. Taking the lowest bid would be a construction budget of $58.5 million, which is 52% over the prior projected cost. The total project cost would be $70.5 million, which is 49% over the previously projected cost.
Board members expressed concern about the consequences of delaying the project. Most middle schools in Fayette County are at or over their capacities, staff members say.
