School board hears construction update and approves more than $1 million credit to contractor

The Buchanan County school board received a construction progress report for the new Southern Gap High School and approved change order No. 9 — described in the meeting as a credit of more than $1,000,000 to the Branch Builds contract.

Presenter speaker 4 showed site photos and progress maps, saying the roofing over lower classroom wings and the gym is complete, the auditorium roof was expected to finish that week, brickwork on the east elevation is under way, site conduit and sewer installation are nearing completion, and work has begun on bleacher footers and retaining walls for the football field. The presenter also noted a cornerstone and time capsule placed at a recent dedication at Sandy Valley Lodge.

Staff member speaker 6 moved to approve change order No. 9 to the Branch Builds contract, characterized in the transcript as a credit of 'over $1,000,000.' The motion was seconded and carried on a recorded roll call in which all present voted yes.

Board members asked clarifying questions about upcoming exterior work, including asphalt installation, curb and gutter, and completion of exterior sheathing and insulation; the presenter said crews would continue roofing, complete wood blocking and install spray-foam insulation in the next phase.

What happens next: construction milestones identified in the presentation — roofing completion, exterior sheathing and site paving — will continue before interior finishes and athletic-site work are finished. The board did not announce a revised completion date during the meeting.