Board approves $434,898 change order to Farrah Early Childhood Learning Center budget

The Tullahoma City Schools Board of Education voted on Sept. 23 to approve a $434,898 change order to the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the JT Farrah Early Childhood Learning Center project, increasing the GMP to $22,369,930.

District staff (Mr. Jordan) told the board the May 2025 amended GMP already addressed changes to the new building and additional work to the old pod area; the new $434,898 change order covers items identified while the project focuses on the existing 1970s pod. Those items include removal and replacement of existing diffusers to improve airflow and energy efficiency, replacing existing controls with new train-compatible controls, adding spray insulation to the building perimeter where none remains, installing rain leaders and drain lines at the rear playground, replacing a set of doors leading to the new cafeteria, and increasing contingency funds so the project can be completed without another budget amendment.

Administration recommended approval and a representative from the construction manager general contractor was available to answer questions. Board members discussed alternatives such as new construction versus renovation and noted that reusing and repairing existing space produced cost savings compared with a full greenfield rebuild. The motion to amend the GMP, made by Pat Welsh and seconded by Brock Compton, passed by vote.

Mr. Jordan said this change will be incorporated into an amended 2025–26 budget to be presented to the board next month. The decision will affect the Farrah project’s final budget and schedule; delivery of the additional work and funding allocation are to be reflected in future financial reports.