Elementary School Construction is “Doing Great!”
Fifteen percent of the steel framing has been raised for the new elementary school at Fort River. Photo: amherstma.gov
The Elementary School Building Committee had its monthly meeting on April 11, 2025 and Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) Kseniya Slavsky reported that “We’re doing great!”
The foundation has been completed and about 15% of the steel framing has been raised as the construction crew works six days a week as weather permits. The geothermal grid has been laid and permits have been submitted with an expected drilling start date of mid May. Up to four drilling rigs may be working simultaneously.
Slavsky praised DiNisco Design team for being the “fastest and most efficient I’ve seen.” She said she was also impressed by the Fort River Elementary 5th graders who interviewed her and asked professional-level questions.
Bob Peirent, the town’s Capital Projects manager, reported that the procurement process has begun for Corkeen, the cork-based outdoor surface that is planned for the school’s playground. He said that he had received information that a recent installation at the Richardson Olmstead Elementary School in Easton, Massachusetts experienced some difficulties. Margaret Wood (from the OPM team) confirmed with a site visit that there were performance problems with the material. Peirent has been in contact with the installers to ensure that appropriate procedures and warranties are in place to incorporate this product into the project while protecting the town’s investment. He reported that the issue at the Easton project may have been that the subgrade material sat for too long before the Corkeen was installed. The company (Amorin America) has agreed to completely replace the installation in Easton during the school’s April break.
The committee approved invoices totaling $14.8 million to date, approximately 15% of the total authorized, although a large portion of that is a generous contingency.
The next meeting will be Friday, May 16. A “topping off” ceremony will likely take place soon after that. The community will be invited on site to witness the placement of the final steel beam.