The Livonia Public Schools Committee of the Whole on Dec. 8 heard detailed updates on the district's bond‑funded construction program, including 3‑D renderings for two 2026 media centers, an early order request for select library/media center furniture, and sinking‑fund roofing recommendations for multiple schools.

Mrs. Burton introduced the operations items and said staff wanted to "get ahead of schedule on ordering select furniture items" for the 2026 summer bond schools. Amy of French Associates led a visual tour of proposed changes at Niji Aero and Webster media centers, describing new LVT flooring, flexible acoustical sliding partitions, expanded Idea Factory spaces and track‑mounted casework. Staff cautioned that furniture selections and colors remain finalizable: "furniture has not been fully selected," Amy said, and individual schools will select final pieces to fit program needs.

Mr. Weber, the bond program lead, told the board the overall bond program — originally budgeted at $186 million — is largely on track. He said about 90 percent of the program is now under contract and that the district has captured approximately $5.1–$5.2 million of earned interest. On cash‑flow, he reported roughly $36.5 million in current funds available. Weber also identified remaining high‑dollar work, notably technology procurements and several long‑lead HVAC and electrical items that the team is prioritizing.

On roofing, staff reviewed bids for four sinking‑fund roofing sites (Buchanan, Cooper, Hoover and the Franklin High School competition gym). Weber said seven firms bid across the package and recommended awards to two companies with prior district experience. He noted one low bidder at Cooper was passed after post‑bid due diligence raised concerns about manpower and the contractor's ability to meet the project’s complexity and schedule. The staff recommendation was to award Franklin High School work to Royal Roofing and Buchanan, Cooper and Hoover to Lutz Roofing, with Lutz committing dedicated crews per building.

Board members asked practical questions about delivery, storage and sequencing. Staff confirmed that vendors will store select furniture at no cost until release, and that color/finish decisions will continue into the new year in coordination with building staff. Several operations items (the furniture package, the 3‑D renderings and the roofing recommendations) were placed on next week's regular board agenda for formal votes.

The committee also heard that last summer’s closeouts and punch‑list items remain in progress; staff estimated roughly 90 percent complete and said targeted work on classroom air‑conditioning issues would happen over the Christmas break to avoid class disruption. Book replacement work at Buchanan was discussed: staff reported that about two‑thirds of the inventory has been replaced and that the district has spent more than $100,000 to date on replacements, with additional deliveries expected.

Next steps: the board will consider voting on the furniture, renderings and roofing recommendations at the Dec. 15 regular meeting. Staff will continue to finalize furniture finishes and schedule long‑lead equipment procurement.