The Lake Oswego School District's contract review board convened on September 22, 2025, to discuss a significant change order related to the ongoing Lake Oswego Middle School project. The meeting, led by Chair Yaird, focused on a request for approval of a change order amounting to $348,946, which addresses various unforeseen issues encountered during construction.
Key points highlighted during the meeting included substantial grading challenges with the athletic field and stormwater management concerns. Additionally, the discovery of an underground oil tank necessitated the removal of contaminated soil, contributing to the increased costs. The change order had been under negotiation for several weeks, and it was noted that the expenses had been anticipated within the project budget as a contingency.
Following a brief discussion, the board unanimously approved the change order, allowing the contractor, Robinson Construction, to proceed with the necessary adjustments. The contract review board session concluded shortly after, transitioning into the regular school board meeting, where community members were present to provide testimony.
This decision reflects the district's commitment to addressing construction challenges proactively while ensuring that the project remains on track and within budgetary constraints.