Joint Letter to Richmond City Administration Regarding New School Construction Costs

March 27, 2019

Dear Ms. Betty Burrell and Mr. Robert Stone,

As individual members of the Richmond School Board, we are writing to express our concern regarding the recently announced costs to build Greene Elementary, George Mason Elementary, and Elkhardt-Thompson Middle Schools. Our initial budget of $110 million for these projects was estimated by our former Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Tommy Kranz, and is in line with projects of similar scope across the Commonwealth.

We now understand that the costs for these projects have exceeded the initial cost estimates by nearly $30 million — enough to fund an additional elementary school. Put another way, the overage could cost 700 students the opportunity of being taught in a safe, modern facility in the near future.

It is critical that we identify what is driving these excessive costs. As such, we look forward to your immediate response to items stated below:

• On September 4, 2018, the architectural firm for these projects noted anticipated construction costs for the new Elkhardt-Thompson school to be $182.48/sq. ft. When this design was built in Suffolk, it was the least expensive middle school project built that year. Please clarify why actual construction costs are $272.44/sq. ft, substantially higher than state averages.
• On September 4, 2018, the architectural firm noted anticipated construction costs for the new Greene Elementary and George Mason schools to be $178.90/sq. ft. When this design was built in Suffolk, it was among the least expensive elementary school projects built that year. Please clarify why actual construction costs are $295.89/sq. ft and $294.08/sq. ft. respectively, substantially higher than state averages.
• We understood that while a custom school design would best meet the unique needs of our student body by utilizing existing school designs, we could maximize limited funding. Please provide a breakdown of design fees and construction assistance/management fees incurred by the architect for the three current projects along with Oak Grove Elementary School, Broad Rock Elementary School, MLK Middle School, and Huguenot High School.
• Standard design firm contract language denotes a budget for architectural design services. Please provide the established budget for each project.
• Please also note if the provided pricing includes overtime fees to meet an expedited construction schedule.

Towards our shared goal to make the best use of taxpayer dollars and meeting the essential needs of our city’s students, please advise if there are any measures that can be taken to bring the planned construction costs in line with standard fees.

Sincerely,

Ms. Kenya Gibson — School Board Member, 3rd District
Mr. Patrick Sapini — School Board Member, 5th District
Ms. Felicia Cosby — School Board Member, 6th District
Mr. Jonathan Young — School Board Member, 4th District

cc:

Ms. Selena Cuffee-Glenn
Mr. Jason Kamras
Mr. Gary Hundley
Mr. Darin Simmons
Mr. Bobby Vincent
Mr. Andreas Addison
Ms. Kimberly Gray
Mr. Chris Hilbert
Ms. Kristen Larson
Mr. Parker Agelasto
Mr. Ellen Robertson
Ms. Cynthia Newbille
Ms. Reva Trammell
Mr. Michael Jones
Ms. Elizabeth Doerr
Mr. Scott Barlow
Ms. Cheryl Burke
Ms. Dawn Page
Ms. Linda Owen