ECISD agrees to accept new practice gym
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

During Tuesday's meeting, El Campo ISD trustees agreed to make the final payment on its new high school practice gym, a figure that includes reductions for delays.

Superintendent Mark Pool said the district settled on $26,000 in "liquidated damages" on the project, money deducted from payment for each day of delay not caused by weather or change orders.

The district officially accepted the new practice gym Nov. 12 and began using it that very afternoon.

Its original completion date was Aug. 6, and a fine of $400 per calendar day was assessed against the builder for unexcused delays, meaning the district got credit for 65 missed days.

The practice gym and the new middle school on FM 2765 both came about as a result of a $19.9 million bond package approved in 2005.

Construction on both projects was delayed by unusually rainy weather in January and February and again in June and July, and also because of a shortage of brick masons.

"For the most part, that building is complete," Pool said. Some minor items need repair or installation, but the builder is working to finish those as soon as possible.

The board voted unanimously to formally accept the gym and authorize a final payment.