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Board reviews proposed change-order approval tiers for reimagine high school project
Summary
Superintendent Claudia Hillman presented a proposed procedure to streamline approval of change orders on the high school construction project: administrative approval under $100,000, project oversight committee approval for $100,000'$175,000, and full board approval above $175,000.
Superintendent Claudia Hillman told the board the core planning team for the Reimagine Northfield High School project is progressing and that the district is proposing a formal change'order approval procedure to manage potential costs and delays if changes are needed during construction.
Hillman said the district recommends three approval tiers: administrative approval for change orders less than $100,000 (to be approved by the superintendent, finance director and buildings and grounds director when all agree); review and approval by the project oversight committee for change orders between $100,000 and $175,000 (the project oversight group will include board representatives and project consultants); and full board approval for change orders above $175,000.
Hillman said the intent is to reduce delay and clarify governance while minimizing the number and size of change orders. She noted the district used a similar system during earlier construction work in 2018 and that typical large change items (for example, additional site fill) may still arise. The proposed procedure will be presented for board action at the Feb. 24 meeting.
Board members asked for examples of past high'dollar change orders and discussed procurement strategy for vehicles and equipment; Hillman and staff explained that some high'cost equipment (for example, front loaders) will be leased to avoid a large single cash outlay and that the district historically keeps vehicles for long service life to maximize value.
No vote was taken at the meeting; Hillman asked for feedback and said the district would return with the proposed procedure for formal approval.
