Bad Economy Causing Delays in Capuchino High Construction

Students and parents at Capuchino High have been steadily waiting for construction crews to complete the massive renovation of the school that has been taking place since last year. 

But recent news about problems with contractors is causing some to worry whether the $55 million project—which includes a new main gym, the small gym, a new swimming pool, renovated classrooms and theater, and humanities and art satellite building, funded by Measure M—will be finished on time. 

A representative from Greystone West, which oversees all the construction projects for the San Mateo Union High School District, told parents this week that the project has seen major delays because a steel subcontractor, East Bay Erectors, went out of business early this year. 

In all, six subcontractors who were working at Capuchino have gone out of business since the construction project began. 

There have also been complaints about the general contractor for the construction, West Bay Builders, apparently not paying subcontractors. 

All of these developments have angered some parents, especially those of athletes, who were expecting the main gym to be open by November. Now, because of the construction delays, that likely won’t happen until December. 

“There have been a lot of challenges on the Cap job because of the economy,” said Elizabeth McManus, the high school district’s deputy superintendent of business services. “It’s very tough.” 

Capuchino High isn’t the only school in the district that is under construction or that has seen delays. 

But with all of the issues involving subcontractors with the Capuchino project, some have been feeling the school—which is constantly trying to overcome its negative perception—was catching the bad end of the stick. 

McManus said Capuchino’s project, however, isn’t being treated any differently. 

“The construction market has been devastated, and it’s taken a toll on the trade,” she said. “In the last year, a large number of subcontractors have gone backrupt because they did jobs with no contingency, thinking this economy would jumpstart.” 

Adam Coll, a construction manager for Greystone West, said there have been payment issues between the general contractor and some of the subcontractors. But there also has been a lot of hearsay, he said. 

The main issue, he added, is the tentative economy. 

“The general (contractor), in some cases, is being a little cautious,” Coll said. “But it’s all predicated on a fearful market.” 

For the teams playing winter sports, Coll said they should be fine if they can hold their home games until the end of the season. 

The theater is now expected to be finished in time for this year’s graduation.