Board approves multiple change orders and large payout for Franklin County school construction projects

The Franklin County Schools Board of Education voted Sept. 8 to approve a series of change orders, invoices and a large payout tied to ongoing construction projects, and to receive the Local Planning Committee for the district facilities plan review.

The actions affect multiple capital projects, including Elkhorn Elementary and the auxiliary gym tied to BG23431. The board approved a $120,004.61 change order for Elkhorn Elementary to address removal of unsuitable soils in three additional locations; separate change orders for the auxiliary gym included $24,005.81 for metal trim and roof drain work, $25,028 for extending gas lines and a hot tap, $37,007.44 for ADA and stormwater work at Western Hills’ front entrance, $18,004.83 for a damaged water line, and $15,003.91 for a trench drain and concrete curb at the Franklin County High School auxiliary gym entrance. The board also approved invoices and payouts related to these projects, including payout number 16 for BG23431 in the amount of $940,087.58 to Devere Construction.

Superintendent staff presented each recommendation; board members moved, seconded and approved every item with a voice vote. The agenda item to “receive the Local Planning Committee (LPC) for the purpose of reviewing the district facilities plan for either revision or waiver as part of the required four‑year review process” was likewise approved.

School staff described the reasons for specific change orders: unsuitable soils requiring additional removal, added metal trim and roof drain work, extended gas lines and a hot tap, additional ADA and stormwater work tied to the Western Hills front entrance, repairs to a damaged water line, and installation of a trench drain and concrete curb at a back entrance. The superintendent recommended approval for each action before the board voted.

The approvals authorize the contractors to proceed with the covered work and release funds via the approved invoices and payouts. No member voiced opposition during the roll calls; each item was approved following the superintendent’s recommendation.

Board documents attached to the agenda list the change‑order amounts and the contractor names for each item. Additional monitoring and routine reports on project timelines and invoices were provided to the board as part of the construction consent items.

The district will proceed with the funded repairs and installations; staff and contractors will follow up with project scheduling and implementation details in subsequent reports to the board.