Poplar Bluff schools: Early Childhood building on target

Construction of a new Early Childhood Center is about 70% complete, according to a report Thursday to members of the Poplar Bluff R-I Board of Education.

Board members approved the most recent payment to Brockmiller Construction of Farmington in the amount of $210,475.35, explained Dr. Amy Jackson, assistant superintendent of business.

The Early Childhood project is contracted in the amount of $5,959,900, with just over $3.9 million paid to date.

The project is still well within budget, said Dr. Scott Dill, superintendent.

About 75% of cabinetry is installed, Jackson said. Workers have also installed 80% of doors and light fixtures.

Jackson expects to bring the board an update at the October meeting of plans for the playground, and possibly a budget adjustment.

The district is still looking at available revenues, she said.

“I do believe that safety is of utmost importance for our kiddos,” Jackson said. “We have a state-of-the-art building there and I think everyone would agree, we also want a state-of-the-art playground there.”

Construction is on schedule, Jackson said.

The district does not plan to move into the building until the fall of 2020. It will serve 3 and 4-year-old students.