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Scranton board tables several change orders, approves generator and PA upgrades
Summary
Board members raised repeated concerns about using change orders instead of competitive bidding and tabled multiple construction change orders; the board approved a new emergency generator ($~283,690.95) and authorized PA system upgrades for Willard and Prescott Elementary (total $397,538.45 to be included in the 2025 capital budget).
During its operations agenda, the Scranton School District board debated several construction change orders, approved an emergency generator purchase and approved PA system upgrades while warning administration to document procurement decisions.
The board considered an extension of the modular lease (change order GCCO005) for six months at $18,000 per month (not to exceed $108,000) to extend modular classroom leases and delay final removal and closeout to Aug. 1, 2025. Directors questioned whether the extension would create extra fees for the district’s architect/manager and whether the district could instead bid or purchase the modulars; administration said the $108,000 could be applied toward purchase by December 2024. After discussion about fees and bidding, the board moved to table the modular lease extension (motion to table passed 6–3).
Multiple subsequent change orders — including carpet replacement (GCCL005, $134,305.21) and painting of 39 rooms (GCC006, $124,747.56) — were discussed. Several directors argued that routine items (painting) do not require design fees, and some asked the solicitor and administration to provide written legal guidance on when bidding is required. The board voted to table multiple change orders pending additional review and solicitor input.
The board approved electrical change order ECCO006 to install a new emergency generator (project 033‑029) to replace a failed unit, with administration stating the presented change‑order price was the most cost‑effective option after comparing cooperative purchasing and local quotes. The vote to approve the generator carried 9–0.
Separately, the board considered PA system upgrades for Willard and Prescott Elementary Schools with a total cost cited at $397,538.45 (InformaCast $15,241; Willard $213,641.29; Prescott $168,656.16). Administration recommended including the work in the 2025 capital improvement budget; some members urged immediate approval to lock pricing. A friendly amendment added incorporation into the 2025 capital budget; the motion passed (8 affirmative, 1 negative). Administration will provide contract/insurance confirmation before procurement.
Several directors asked administration to provide RFP/tier documentation and a legal opinion from the solicitor about when projects must be publicly bid. The board directed staff to provide more detailed cost comparisons and to include reminders about procurement tiers in future packets.
