District hears construction update, three change orders for new K–5 elementary school

Lucero RC, the construction representative for the district's new K–5 elementary school, presented a progress update and three change orders to the Bethel Park School District Board on the condition of the building and remaining work.

In the presentation, Lucero RC said exterior finishes and long-board composite paneling were being installed, storefront/curtain-wall systems were being glazed, interior ceilings and casework were going in, and that the roof was “completely on and dried in.” The presenter added that roofing decorative coping remains and that rooftop RTUs would be set in the coming weeks.

The presentation included three change-order items. GC 38 addressed ASI adjustments including bulkhead work around skylights, gym ceiling enclosures and steel/duct supports, and stair dimension clarifications. ASI 20 offered a credit because the originally selected media-center carpet was discontinued and an alternative, cheaper carpet was selected. A plumbing change order added additional isolation valves on the main waterline to allow partial isolation of the loop in the event of a future break.

Board members asked whether the additional isolation valves had been on the original drawings; the construction representative said they were not originally shown and were added in the field to reduce the risk of a full-building water shutdown. The presenter said the valves are not required by code and described them as an added-value, afterthought precaution.

On budget questions, the presenter and board members discussed net change-order totals and contingency. The presenter said, quoting the presentation, that “with these change orders, we're at 5 net. . . . you're looking roughly $4.80 ish, $4.70 somewhere around there” (units not specified in the presentation). He also said the project had “spent currently a little more than 200,000” (units not specified) and that about half the building is complete, which the presenter described as reducing the pool of potential new expenses as work progresses.

Facilities committee members moved the presented construction change-order item to the consent agenda for approval at next week's meeting; board members also noted an additional supplemental service/change-order item would be revisited because one listed task’s dates did not match the contract and the solicitor will provide clarification.

The presentation closed with schedule notes: gas service was expected within days, windows and doors would be installed before winter, and interior finishes and casework would enable the district to begin moving furniture into finished classrooms once flooring and ceiling fixtures are installed.

The board did not take a final vote on the construction change orders at this meeting; the items were placed on the consent agenda for action at the next meeting.