District construction managers and contractors told the Madison County Board of Education on Nov. 13 that major site work is progressing and that several contract changes are approved to keep projects moving.

Jonathan Smith of Branscomb Construction reported near-completion items at Madison Middle (new parking, track and sports fields; interior painting and finishes) and significant progress at new Waco Elementary (classroom slabs poured, block going up, rough-in plumbing and upcoming gym slab pour). He said weather has slowed some exterior work but crews are taking advantage of good days.

Smith also reported that main geothermal lines for Foley and Madison Southern have been installed, inspected and patched; drilling of geothermal wells at Foley and Southern is scheduled to begin next week. Tony Thomas added that design work is underway on Whitehall and that some portions of other schools have not been renovated in decades and are included in current plans.

On formal actions, the board approved multiple change orders for Madison Middle that resulted in a net credit of $30,587.35 (credits and charges to several vendors, including Baston Painting LLC, Central Kentucky Glass Company, Dant Edge, Fray Mechanical Contractors, HD Construction LLC, Rising Sun Development Company, Spectra Contract Flooring, Toadvine Enterprise, Blue Sky Electric Company). The board also approved a $47,197 credit for Great Lakes Hotel Supply tied to kitchen equipment at Waco Elementary; a $240,000 change order for New Tech System audio enhancements at Waco Elementary; and a $42,500 change order for Cutter Pulliam Electric.

Separately the board approved change order number 3 for Branscombe Construction ($5,311) and awarded the HVAC renovation bid package (general trades, base bid and alternate #1) to Branscombe Construction for $848,800 for Madison Southern High School and Foley Middle School. Motions were made, seconded and carried by voice vote for each item.

Board members asked clarifying questions about sequencing, winter readiness and how the bond and district facility plan scheduling aligns with the work. Contractors emphasized that much of the administrative/bid work has been done so materials and subcontractors are ready for January mobilization.

Next steps include drilling geothermal wells at Foley and Southern, ongoing finishing at Madison Middle, continued block and steel installation at Waco Elementary, and formal contracting steps as noted in change orders and bid awards.