UPDATE: A lawsuit against the Howard County Board of Education is nearing a critical turning point as a contractor claims COVID-19 caused costs to surge at the newly constructed Guilford Park High School. The school, which opened its doors to students in August 2023, was built at a total cost of $129 million.
Grounded Electrical Construction, LLC, the contractor responsible for the electrical work at the Jessup school, filed the lawsuit in February 2024, seeking $5.5 million in damages after alleging breach of contract. The company originally signed a firm fixed-price contract in April 2020, accepting a bid of $13.9 million. However, the pandemic’s financial impact prompted Grounded Electrical to request a price change, which the board refused.
The Howard County Public Schools system stated that it cannot comment on pending litigation, but emphasized that using firm fixed-price contracts is a common practice among school systems. This lawsuit marks the first breach-of-contract case for the school board since the pandemic.
A judge was scheduled to rule on the case in early November, but the decision has been delayed. A recent letter to the court indicated a settlement conference was requested following Grounded Electrical’s failure to appear in court.
This situation is particularly significant as it reflects ongoing challenges in the construction industry stemming from the pandemic. Grounded Electrical has faced similar legal battles, including a complaint against the Anne Arundel County Board of Education in 2022 over a denied bid for Hillsmere Elementary School.
As the deadline for a court ruling approaches, the implications of this case could have a lasting impact on how school construction contracts are structured in the future. Stakeholders and community members are closely watching the developments, as the outcome could influence funding and construction strategies for educational institutions across the region.
For more updates, stay tuned as this story develops. Have a news tip? Contact Brendan Nordstrom at [email protected] or call 443-900-1353.
