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Henderson County BOE approves change orders, contracts and funding for school renovations and CTE upgrades
Summary
The Henderson County Board of Education on June 23 approved multiple change orders, awarded inspection and cleaning contracts and authorized funding and architectural services for projects at East Heights Elementary, South Middle School and the high school CTE area, including a culinary renovation and parking lot work.
The Henderson County Board of Education on June 23 approved a set of change orders, contracts and funding requests for ongoing capital projects, including renovations at East Heights Elementary, an HVAC renovation at South Middle School and Career and Technical Education (CTE) work at the high school.
Board members voted unanimously to approve change orders for East Heights Elementary after project staff described interior demolition progress and exterior work. Blake Graham, project coordinator with RBS Design Group, said the north wing has been largely gutted, new ductwork is being installed and exterior openings beneath existing windows have been infilled. Chad Thompson and the project team said the geothermal subcontractor has drilled 16 wells and was working to catch up after delays.
Why it matters: The approved changes and contract awards keep multiple multi‑year renovation projects moving toward summer and fall completion dates, affecting classroom readiness and long‑term facility condition.
Board action and supporting details - East Heights change orders: the board approved change orders that staff summarized as roofing and deck installations, electrical and lighting changes and ceiling work in the media center. Project staff reported a single combined change‑order addition of $131,300.79. Superintendent Dr. Lawson recommended approval; motion by Mr. Alvis, second by Mr. McGar; vote unanimous. - South Middle School HVAC contracts: the board awarded contracts for special inspections (early demolition package) and for duct cleaning rather than full duct replacement for the early demolition package. Staff named the recommended vendors as BFW (special inspections) and Hasco (duct cleaning). Superintendent recommended approval; motion by Mr. Alvis, second by Ms. Williams; vote unanimous. - CTE change order (CTEBG22‑506): the board approved a $6,446 change order to reroute exhaust ductwork in the welding shop so forklifts can operate without obstruction. Motion by Mr. Alvis, second by Mr. Smith; vote unanimous. - Culinary renovation and parking lot (BG1 request BG25‑340): the board approved a BG1 submission for a culinary renovation and parking lot/asphalt replacement at the high school, with a stated renovation total of $2,057,653. The board also approved contracting architectural services for that project with Ross Tarrant. Motion to approve BG1 and architect services by district staff; second by Mr. Alvis; vote unanimous.
Project timing and scope notes - East Heights: interior work was reported 3–4 days ahead on interior tasks; exterior CMU and EIFS work is being installed and the geothermal well field is actively being drilled (16 wells in progress). Staff warned that unforeseen conditions are common in renovations. - South Middle School HVAC: ceilings removed, miscellaneous framing and a small concrete scope under the auditorium stage remain; staff expected substantial completion in the week after July 7, with final cleaning to follow. - CTE and CTE‑adjacent work: restroom and classroom additions at the CTE building were reported near completion; the approved duct reroute preserves shop functionality by providing overhead ductwork clearance for forklifts.
Funding and procurement - Change orders and contract awards were presented as district recommendations by construction staff; board approval was unanimous for the items described above. The culinary/parking BG1 submission authorizes staff to pursue the next funding/approval steps for the $2,057,653 renovation.
What’s next: Project managers and vendors will continue construction and procurement work over the summer. Staff indicated follow‑up punch lists and monthly project checks will continue; the district approved architectural services for the culinary/parking project to proceed with design work.
Sources: Project presentations and staff recommendations at the Henderson County Board of Education special meeting on June 23, 2025. Direct reporting in the meeting came from Blake Graham (RBS Design Group), Chad Thompson and Mr. Miller (project staff); the superintendent (Dr. Lawson) presented recommendations to the board.
