Bath County board hears high school renovation closeout, tables $5,175 urinal-partition change order

Bath County Board of Education members were updated on the Bath County High School renovation during the Sept. 15 working session and voted to table a contractor change order that would add post-mounted urinal partition supports at a cost of $5,175.

The board heard that the high school project is largely in closeout, with staff and contractors addressing punch-list items and commissioning work to verify electrical and mechanical systems. Jonathan, a staff member working on the project, said commissioning teams ‘‘check all the electrical and mechanical components of the project just to make sure they’re all functioning and working properly’’ and that most issues remaining are minor repairs and monitoring.

Board members also discussed an installed lobby/concession graphic that appears darker than the color they expected. Jonathan told the board, “we don’t have a direction on what to do with the graphics,” and said he would forward the original PowerPoint and follow-up email documentation to Dr. Melton for review to determine whether the installed shade differs from what was approved and whether the fabricator, Shiller, could replace it at no cost. Jonathan also said he did not have the total contract cost available at the meeting and would try to provide line-item amounts by email.

The board examined Proposal Request 41, a contractor change order to install two-inch-to three-inch post-mounted mullions from floor to overhead structure to brace urinal privacy panels in the boys’ restrooms. Jonathan said the change would make it “very difficult” for the partitions to be pulled off the wall but cautioned it was not a guaranteed prevention and that the measure would increase maintenance complexity. He described the $5,175 price as “majority labor intensive” because installers must access structure above the ceiling to anchor the posts.

Board member Carla moved to table the change order to get additional cost detail; Eric seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion carried.

Why it matters: the renovation closeout includes warranty, maintenance and cost implications for the district. The change-order decision will affect restroom durability, maintenance needs and project costs.

Details and context: the contracting representative said some urinal panels had been found loose or partially detached, often during summer months when students were not in the building. The proposed mullions would be installed at four locations in the boys’ restrooms that remain open during the school day; other restrooms in the project were not included in the change order. Jonathan said contractors had tried multiple anchoring methods before recommending the post-mounted mullions as the manufacturer-recommended reinforcement. He also noted a standard contractor warranty would apply for at least one year for installation issues.

Next steps: staff will provide the board with the original approval materials for the lobby graphics and any line-item cost breakdowns available from the contractor’s pay application. The change order will return to the board after cost clarification.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to table Change Order Proposal 41 (owner-requested restroom post-mounted urinal partitions for Bath County High School HVAC renovation, BG #22376): motion by Carla, second by Eric; outcome: motion carried (tabled).