School Board says: No need for Contingency Funds

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

By Sam Petri

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-About 95 percent of the infrastructure for the Jackson Elementary School Gym and the link that will connect the gym to the Recreation Center is in, according to Teton County School District Facilities Director Kevin Thibeault. Teton County School District is responsible for funding this $3 million section of the school, which was designed by Hawtin and Jorgensen Architects and is being built by GE Johnson Construction. GE Johnson is aiming for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and the project appears to be running smoothly, though Thibeault spoke at last week’s school board meeting about the need for a contingency fund in case the project goes over budget. 

“Construction projects rarely move forward with out a couple of hiccups,” said Thibeault, “And as one of the sources of payment, we need the ability to secure funds, or deliver funds.” 

However, TCSD School Board Trustee Zia Yasrobi denied the request.  “At this point there is absolutely no reason to even imagine a contingency fund,” said Yasrobi. “I understand that material prices are unpredictable.  But we’ll deal with that when the need arises.” 

Yasrobi noted that there was no need at this time to speculate that the project will be over budget.  Instead of a contingency fund, Yasrobi offered that if and when the project is in need of extra money, a special school board meeting could be scheduled to address the matter at that time. 

“As long as I have the ability to secure funds, I don’t really care if we call it a contingency fund or not,” said Thibeualt, whose overall goal is to make sure the project runs smoothly. 

“That’s Kevin’s job - to come and ask for funding.  It’s our job to analyze his request.  He is trying to plan the best he can,” said Yasrobi. 

Recreation District funds could be used in the project if needed, as the funds are available for anything related to public recreation.  The gym should be complete by the fall of 2009. 

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School Board says: No need for Contingency Funds | Planet JH News Article: Jackson Hole High School

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