Board reviews construction change orders; no net contract increase, contingency reallocations noted

During new business, district construction staff outlined two change-order areas tied to the storm-shelter/multipurpose project and other work. Staff said the total contract price remained unchanged and that items were being moved between contingency and contract lines.

Specific items cited: a $308 cost for recessed fire-extinguisher cabinets found after summer HVAC work; $2,357 to re-balance circuits tied to a storm-shelter inverter (covered by contingency); and a $25,256 reinstall of existing asphalt at the middle-school parking lot that was charged to the contract’s per-unit yardage item but moved from contingency. Staff also reported a $5,175 savings from a proposed roofing substitution that would move that amount back into contingency.

Eric Russell and Dr. Russell (speakers introduced during the change-order discussion) described improved parking-lot flow after the work, saying car-line times were reduced and parents had easier access for pick-up and appointments. Board members asked clarifying questions about how contingency funds are tracked; staff said unused contingency funds remain in the bond project account and can be used for other general construction items in the bond program.

Why it matters: The change orders affect how bond-project contingency funds are allocated and the district’s capital-project accounting, but staff said they did not increase the contract total. The board asked that contingency usage be described carefully to avoid minimizing taxpayer cost.

Next steps: Staff will continue to manage contingencies and report bond-project balances in future reports.