SALEM — The Salem K-8 school construction project will now include four additional classrooms as part of the latest guaranteed maximum price amendment, along with several other add-ons.

“We are still right on budget for the project,” Salem City Schools Treasurer/CFO Michael Douglas said.

During a recent meeting, the school board approved amendment #3 to the construction manager at risk agreement, authorizing the board president and treasurer to sign the amendment.

Douglas explained that because the bids were lower than expected, the district can build more into the project from the savings. Two classrooms had already been added to the project from the previous GMP amendment.

The additional four classrooms from the third GMP amendment bring the additional classrooms number to six.

Douglas said GMP amendment #3 included co-funded allowances which include technology upgrades, outdoor extended learning areas, front and rear canopy, additional concrete work at services area, landscaping, acoustical panels, and upgrades to millworker, metal panels and fire waterline loop.

The amount for the latest amendment totaled $2,910,792, which Douglas said brings the project total to $55,778,834. The amendment amount includes the work, along with the construction manager contingency and construction manager fees.

The general contractor for the project is Hammond Construction.

Douglas said several walls are up, the foundation is all down and the workers tented the building to continue masonry work due to the cold weather. The project is expected to be completed Aug. 17, 2027.

In other business, the school board renewed the contract with ACCESS, the district’s internet provider, for $49,541 per year. The contract is for two years from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.

The next meeting of the board will be 6:45 p.m. Jan. 12 in the high school library.