District outlines $650,000 fix for Lakes High School floor damage; warranty window lapsed

Rick Ring, executive director for district operations, told the board that staff have identified widespread deterioration of the second-floor concrete topping on the Success Building at Lakes High School. Ring said engineers found no structural compromise but determined the topping was thinner than specified and was placed over a plywood deck rather than a steel deck, choices made during construction to save costs.

Ring said staff removed samples, confirmed the plywood decking under the topping, and recommended targeted repairs covering approximately 24,490 square feet (mainly hallways and science rooms). The proposed work would remove the existing tile, repair the concrete topping where required and install 24-by-24 rubber tiles in hallways and carpet tile in classrooms; the district recommends procuring through an Omnia cooperative purchasing agreement to lock pricing given volatility in petroleum‑based flooring materials. Ring estimated the work at approximately $650,000 and said staff plan to bring the project to the April board meeting for authorization.

Ring said the district explored legal remedies with the original design and construction team on the project but found claims are likely time‑barred under construction warranty limitations in Washington law (the presentation cited a six‑year limitations period). Board members asked what could be done to prevent similar issues in the future; Ring recommended earlier contractor engagement on reported defects and more proactive maintenance oversight.

The district will return with procurement details and a formal recommendation to the board in April.