Construction Concludes at Amethyst Brook Elementary as Demolition of Fort River Building Begins

Report on the Meeting of the  Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC), September 11, 2026

This meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded.

The Elementary School Building Committee’s (ESBC) most recent monthly meeting took place on September 11, 2026.  

Construction Update
“The school is open!” Kseniya Slavsky (Owner’s Project Manager, Accenture) reported that the construction was completed in time for the staff to settle in and welcome students for this school year. Contractors are finishing up some punch list items, including temperature and humidity control issues in one section of the building related to a manufacturing (not installation) problem. This is expected to be resolved by the end of next week. Because these work items are being performed when students are not present, it will take a little longer to complete.

Demolition of the Existing Building Has Begun
Abatement work started several weeks ago under the full-time supervision of an on-site industrial hygienist. Slavsky noted that this is a highly (state-) regulated process requiring continuous monitoring, measurements, sealing off of areas, air quality management and testing for workers, and proper disposal of hazardous materials. At the request of ESBC member Deb Leonard, Slavsky will prepare a document to share with the public explaining the process.

Demolition of the existing building started this week and will proceed generally from north to south to minimize noise and dust near the new building. The areas closest to the new school will not be demolished when school is in session (for example, it will be done on a weekend or early release day). Slavsky noted that prevailing winds from the south are helping by moving air away from the new building. Demolition is likely to continue through November.

Site Work Update
The hard surfaces adjacent to the school (basketball courts, playground areas, etc.) are being painted and will soon be fully accessible to students. Landscapers are also making progress on the outdoor learning areas (outdoor classroom, garden, etc.). Traffic and parking have proven to be far less of an issue than feared. The second driveway during this phase of construction has helped significantly. The Amherst Police Department has discontinued its detail at the start and end of the school day, stating that it is not needed. The remote parking has likewise been deemed unnecessary at this point. Work has commenced on the playing fields in the northern half of the property. Earth moving and underground work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, but planting and seeding may need to wait until spring 2027.

Next Steps
Commissioning of the building’s mechanical systems will be done in September or October and repeated next summer to ensure they continue to operate as intended. Interval Data Systems has been contracted to perform an Energy Use Optimization and has begun collecting data. They will coordinate with facilities staff and make adjustments as needed. LEED Certification must wait until commissioning is completed. Photovoltaic interconnection should be wrapped up and running by next month. Administrative and financial closeout with the Massachusetts School Building Authority can take up to two years.

Invoices
Billing for the project is approximately 84% complete. Although the project has $99 million in funding available, almost $7 million remains uncommitted (not contracted for spending). All invoices (approximate amounts listed below) were approved unanimously. 

Anser Advisory (OPM) $      70,000        

DiNisco Design (Architects) $      95,000       

CTA Construction (GC) $ 1,600,000 

Allied Testing $        4,000

Omasta Landscaping (Corkeen) $        2,000

Meteor Education (FF&E) $      38,000

Likarr Maintenance (FF&E) $        2,000

School Specialty (FF&E) $      35,000

Top Notch Supply (FF&E)       $      19,000

Early Childhood LLC (FF&E) $        2,000

Wenger (FF&E) $      71,000

Wakefield Movers $      55,000

TOTAL for August 2026 $ 1,973,083

Upcoming Events
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on October 26. The committee will meet again in October.