School board approves up to $250,000 for Granite Falls High School siding repairs and repainting

The Granite Falls School Board on Tuesday approved a renovation of Granite Falls High School’s exterior siding and repainting, authorizing district staff to spend up to $250,000 from the capital projects fund.

District facilities staff described deteriorated siding, rusted metal column covers and water infiltration at the base of the exterior walls and said repairs must start shortly after school ends to complete work over the summer. The board voted to set a not-to-exceed limit of $250,000 so staff can accept a contractor and begin work without waiting for the next board meeting.

Why it matters: The district said the high school building is paid off and that capital-projects money — not operating funds — will cover the work. Facilities staff said the repair will replace the bottom two rows of siding, install flashing where siding meets cinder block to prevent further water intrusion, recaulk seams, pressure-wash, address rusted metal pillars and repaint the building in its original colors. Staff estimated the work would take roughly one month to six weeks once started.

Details: In a presentation, facilities staff shared photographs showing split seams in siding near the base of exterior walls and rust developing on decorative metal pillars. The first bid provided for scope review was about $220,000; a second bid that arrived the same day was roughly $300,000. Staff said a third competitive bid was expected the following week. The board asked staff to vet bidders for experience and to bring back change orders to the board if unexpected conditions arise during construction.

Funding and budget context: District staff said the work will be paid from the capital projects fund and will not affect day-to-day school operations or staffing. The board was told the district recently received levy receipts that increased the capital projects balance and that a budget extension approved at a prior meeting recognized additional timber revenue; staff said the April balance would show roughly $400,000 available for capital projects.

Board direction and vote: After discussion about competitive bids and potential change orders, a board member moved to approve the renovation project with a maximum cost of $250,000. Another member seconded. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Next steps: Staff will solicit and evaluate the remaining bid(s), select a contractor consistent with the approved scope and limit, and begin work once school is out for the summer. The board asked administration to return for approval of any change orders that would exceed the approved limit.