Board authorizes change orders for Elkridge project after construction update

Representatives for the Elkridge project briefed the North Bend Central Public Schools board on site progress and several change orders before the board voted to authorize the work.

A project representative (introduced by the board as Preston/Elkridge) told the board, "we've got rough and plumbing, they're tying in the water line right now...framing done...drywall and FRP up, paint going to start," and outlined multiple change-order items: a fire marshal permit review and minimal safety corrections, additional structural engineering that required larger pier footings, ADA handrails and stainless-steel countertops, and a revised concrete walkway scope that was rebid after an inadvertent omission.

The presenter said some design work expanded foundation sizes after engineers reviewed initial drawings and that, while some rebids increased line items, the rebid concrete subcontractor ultimately produced a net savings versus the original proposal despite needing to add a missed walkway item. Board members asked for a total of the change orders; staff estimated the sum in the low tens of thousands and confirmed the work would keep the project ADA-compliant.

Following discussion, a board member moved to approve the change orders as presented; the motion was seconded and the board approved the measure on a recorded vote (5-0). Staff noted that contingency funds had been used for time-sensitive onsite decisions (including an approximately $9,000 contingency use to address a grading/approach issue during active construction) and that pre-construction and inspection scheduling would continue.

Outcome: change orders approved; staff to continue with inspections, shop drawings and scheduling for remaining finishes.