Bond oversight committee flags slow closeouts, late scope additions and fire-inspection delays in SMART bond program

Summary

The Broward County Bond Oversight Committee reported persistent slow project closeouts, late additions to project scope—often tied to fire device work—and recommended site visits by plan reviewers. Public commenters raised remaining issues at Stranahan and urged clearer scope and transparency as the district finishes the SMART bond program.

The Broward County Bond Oversight Committee told the School Board at a workshop that project closeouts on the SMART bond program remain slower than committee members expect, and recommended earlier, on-site plan reviews and stronger procedures to prevent scope additions late in construction.

Steve Hilberg, chair of the Bond Oversight Committee, said the committee’s review of the quarter ending March 31 showed recurring problems with rushed facility condition assessments and last-minute scope growth driven by fire-system work. "As the school board completes another condition assessment, they should take special care to develop the needs analysis thoroughly and allow time for review and adjustment of the plan," Hilberg said. He added that plan reviewers should visit job sites early to reduce surprises that lead to change orders.

Hilberg and committee members praised recent improvements, including revisions to the district’s change-order policy (policy 8,000) that the committee said have improved…

Bond oversight committee flags slow closeouts, late scope additions and fire-inspection delays in SMART bond program

Summary

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