Board approves change orders; officials say elementary construction closeouts will shrink pending allowances

Lebanon school officials told the board on Aug. 19 that the construction closeout process for recent elementary projects is producing many change orders and that, net, the district is receiving returned allowance dollars. Facilities staff presented a lengthy list of change orders tied to the summer construction program and asked for board approval of the month’s items.

Director of Facilities Mr. Venice (presenting) said the list reflects the start of project closeouts and that many line items are negative as unused allowances are returned. He said some positive change orders remain—particularly at the high school—where site work uncovered storm structures and required additional connections, but that overall the projects are “well within contingencies.” The district anticipates finishing closeouts for Central, Perryworth and Harney by the October board meeting.

Mr. Venice said returned allowance dollars for the elementary projects will be allocated to Hattie B. Stokes (Stokes) and other projects mentioned in the referendum/project descriptions. He said the district is leaving $5.2 million of a 2023 project authorization unissued and that returned funds from elementary closeouts are likely to fund a portion of future district needs without additional bond issuance.

Board members asked for a post-closeout breakdown by category (prime construction, construction management, architecture and engineering, FF&E). Mr. Venice said staff will provide that information when each project formally closes out. The board approved the change orders by voice vote.