What is the project budget and what is being done to ensure that there are no cost overruns?

The total project budget, as approved by Andover voters, is $151,661,968. Andover is eligible for a maximum grant from the MSBA of $38,442,820 (25.35% of total project costs), which makes the anticipated Town share $113,219,148 (74.65% of total project costs). As the design documents are being prepared, costs are evaluated by two sets of estimators. At the time of the preparation of the 90% package, the estimators determined that the project was over budget by approximately $5.5 million, due to market conditions including supply chain issues, fuel costs and the war in Ukraine.  In order to keep the project within budget, the Building Committee made the decision to reduce some construction features, as well as to move available money within budget categories and to use some of the contingency funds built into the budget. 

While difficult, this decision allows the project to move forward without an impact on education and with only limited impact on the overall look and feel of the new school. Moreover, the bidding process will be designed in a way that will allow some of the reduced construction features to be restored should future circumstances allow. 

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1. What will the new West El/Shawsheen Preschool look like and where will it be located?
2. How will the educational environment be improved at the new West El?
3. How will the educational environment be improved at the new Shawsheen preschool?
4. What is the schedule for construction activities?
5. How will traffic circulation change during construction?
6. How will construction vehicles enter and exit the site?
7. How will people be notified of changes in traffic circulation?
8. What will the project work hours be?
9. Will play areas be relocated during construction?
10. What will happen to the playing fields behind the current West El?
11. Will there be other impacts on students’ learning environment during construction?
12. When will the new schools open?
13. What are the next steps in the MSBA process/timeline?
14. What is the project budget and what is being done to ensure that there are no cost overruns?
15. What will the tax impact be of the new West El/Shawsheen Preschool?
16. Will the project involve redistricting and, if so, when will that occur?
17. The new WESB project is described as “Net Zero Ready.” What does that mean?
18. Why wasn’t the installation of solar panels on the roof and/or in the parking areas made a part of the current construction project?
19. How much of the new West El/ Shawsheen Preschool energy needs will come from on-site sources?
20. What will happen to the existing West El facility?
21. What will happen to the existing Shawsheen facility?
22. Who are the project contractors?
23. Who serves on the West Elementary/Shawsheen School Building Committee?
24. How can I get more information about the project?