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Board approves Brunson Elementary change order after public objections about contamination and cost
Summary
The board approved a change order for the Brunson Elementary replacement project that includes hauling contaminated soil offsite and bringing new fill, drawing public objections about cost and environmental risk; the vote passed 5–4.
The Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education voted 5–4 June 24 to approve a construction change order for the Brunson Elementary replacement project that covers removal and replacement of contaminated soil, a topic that drew sustained public scrutiny during the meeting.
Multiple public commenters said the site — purchased by the district for the new Brunson campus — has environmental risks that the board and staff previously understated. “This is the second change order in a month,” said Peter Antonazi, who told the board the new change order would add about $935,000 to project costs and described the work as “$935,000 to move dirt from Davidson County and spreading it around the construction site.” He urged the board to vote no.
Allen Daniel asked whether the requested $935,000 was for new work or to cover work already performed, and he questioned why testing costs were not included in the contract while removal and replacement costs were. Board members and staff explained the change order covers removal, testing and landfill/dump fees tied to historically contaminated material discovered on the site and the cost of approved replacement fill.
During the action item presentation, project staff confirmed the district’s environmental management plan requires testing for material removed and for replacement material brought on site. Staff also explained that landfill disposal fees are charged by weight, which composed a large portion of the change‑order cost.
A motion to approve the change order was made by Board Member Watts and seconded by Vice Chair Buchanan; the motion passed 5–4.
Board discussion referenced contingency allowances for construction projects and noted that many contingency estimates are percentages set for each project; the Brunson site included unexpected remediation after discovery of burned debris and other material in the ground.
The board’s approval allows contractors to proceed with removal of the material and placement of approved fill for the replacement campus. Speakers at the meeting urged additional transparency about the total project budget and warned that continued change orders could exhaust bond funds allocated for construction.
Board members asked staff to provide ongoing updates on the project budget and expected remaining contingency funds at upcoming meetings.
