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OKCPS board briefed on Taft Middle School cost increases; approves larger contract contingency for US Grant project
Summary
District staff said Taft Middle School costs rose after the project scope changed from full demolition to phased renovation, adding programs and shelter space; the board approved increasing contingency allowances on a related US Grant contract to 10%, the statutory maximum.
District staff told the board Aug. 25 that Taft Middle School construction costs increased after changes to the project scope and programming, and the board approved consent items that include a higher contingency on the US Grant project.
Deborah Deck, interim chief operating officer and executive director of capital projects, said the original Taft budget assumed full demolition of the existing building; the district later elected to renovate portions of the original structure, which raised costs and changed the project phasing. “The original budget for Taft Middle School did not include the renovation of the original building,” Deck said, and the schedule now shows phased work with phase 1 in 2026, phase 2 in 2027 and phase 3 in 2028.
Deck said added instructional space for OESS programs and English language learner programming increased the building size, drove additional structural and shelter requirements, and produced a “snow effect” of higher costs. She also cited foundation work and panel costs as drivers of contingency use.
On the US Grant project (agenda item 15.06), Deck explained the board initially authorized a 5% contingency on bids; state law allows up to 10%, and the district requested the higher contingency to avoid serial board approvals for small change orders and to keep projects on schedule. “That means that we don't have to come to the board every single time that something happens,” Deck said.
Both items were on the consent agenda and were approved when the board voted to adopt the consent agenda. The transcript records the consent motion and a roll call showing the motion carried with unanimous votes recorded in the meeting record.
District staff said the excess contingency does not mean the district will spend the full amount; it provides flexibility to complete work without monthly board approvals. Staff also said the project will go to the citizens oversight committee once that panel is convened.
