Architect reports progress and change orders on Bullitt County school projects; Bullitt East due May 2026

A representative from Studio Camera Architects provided a construction update to the Bullitt County Board of Education, outlining work, change orders and schedules across several sites, including North Bullitt, Bullitt East and Bernheim Middle School.

Why it matters: Multiple projects are in active construction or closeout and include change orders that affect budgets, schedules and site safety; some items require inspector approval or not-to-exceed change orders.

Key project updates: Kate Noble of Studio Camera Architects said Calhoun Construction has opened gateways and entrance points at North Bullitt Physical Science Center so restrooms and concessions with direct exterior access could open before the full certificate of occupancy is issued. Noble noted that the district cannot control the timing of a certificate of occupancy, which is granted by the local inspector.

Change orders and cost notes: Noble described several change-order items: omission and reassignment of specialty weight-room flooring (vendor-installed; bid/PO amounts discussed during the presentation), a standardization of laundry-room finishes across East and Central, additional wood blocking recommended by the roofing warranty holder and new parking-lot numbering at Bullitt Central so lots would be ready for the first day of school. Noble also said two sewage ejector pumps were omitted for $50,000 and that the resulting credit was applied to a materials purchase order; several items were being “scooped up” into one net-zero change order for closeout accounting.

Schedules and site work: Noble reported that Bullitt East High School remains on a schedule for 100% completion in May 2026, furniture installation in June and turnover to staff in July. At Bullitt Central, trees were cleared behind grandstands for a new access road and fire lane; site circulation improvements were described as adding safer emergency access. Noble said the septic field work at North Bullitt was expected to finish by the end of the week and that clubhouse ramp work was added per an inspector’s requirement to secure a temporary certificate of occupancy for a site.

Remaining closeout items: Noble said final punch inspections were underway at the baseball/softball site and that contractors were correcting cited work. At Bernheim Middle School, Noble described a two-part approach to address persistent front-entrance drainage and pooling — adding a central trench drain plus closing a gap in a retaining wall — with a not-to-exceed price to be reconciled after the contractor’s final pricing.

What’s next: The board received the update and asked no substantive questions at the close of the presentation. Noble said some change orders include not-to-exceed allowances and that unused portions will be credited back when final time-and-materials are submitted.