Bath County board approves $3,750 credit on high school HVAC change order

The Bath County Board of Education unanimously approved a $3,750 owner-requested credit to a change order on the Bath County High School HVAC renovation during its Feb. 17 meeting.

District staff told the board the contractor had ordered a new rooftop HVAC unit that the district will accept and put to use elsewhere, rather than replacing a recently installed unit already serving offices adjacent to the gym. Staff characterized the credit as a $3,700–$3,750 reduction reflecting avoided labor and removal costs and said the newly ordered unit remains usable and will be turned over to the district.

Board members also received a construction update on the high school. Officials said phase 9 is scheduled to begin March 1 with an anticipated completion around June 30. Remaining tasks listed included two lobbies, office areas, replacement of doors and frames at the former main entrance, some flooring work and final finishes. Staff noted the project has been billed against contingency funds and that contingency balances are limited as the project approaches completion.

David, the construction manager, told the board he believes a substantial, practical renovation can be completed within the district’s available funding and described energy-saving improvements such as new HVAC units and windows. Board members and staff discussed contingency planning, noting that the $7.1 million grant for the project includes a construction contingency intended to cover many, but not all, unforeseen change orders.

Carla moved to approve the change order motion (PR-28) and Kim seconded. The board voted in favor by voice and the motion carried.

The board scheduled follow-up material for its March meeting, including detailed line-item cost comparisons between KDE estimates and district/engineer estimates to help the board prioritize remaining scope.