The Marion County Board of Education on July 14 approved a change order that reduced the final price for the new Jasper Middle School and authorized release of remaining retainage and interest through Jan. 1, 2025.
The action, taken as part of the consent agenda, follows project closeout discussions with general contractor Tri-Con, Inc., and board staff.
Board Secretary Mark A. Griffith said the change order "was actually in our favor" and that the final building price decreased. Griffith also told the board the interest accrued from Jan. 1, 2025, forward will belong to the Marion County Board of Education and that those funds are in the district’s general fund account.
Mrs. Donna Blansett asked whether a recent bid was for the theater or the auditorium at Whitwell High School; Dr. Griffith clarified the bid covered the auditorium and described it as a full renovation. That bid tabulation for the Whitwell High School auditorium was included in the items approved on the consent agenda.
Mr. Bo Nunley said he and the district’s in‑house expert are reviewing documents from Energy Systems Group (ESG) about replacing building lighting. Dr. Griffith said Nunley is examining the options; no contract was approved at the July meeting and the board did not give final direction on lighting work.
The board’s consent‑agenda vote to approve both the Whitwell bid tabulation and the Tri‑Con change order carried unanimously.
Board members said the Jasper Middle School project is near completion; Dr. Griffith told the board he is working through the last items with the contractor.
The board did not set a separate timeline for final invoicing beyond noting retainage/interest handling and continued review of lighting options.