Bath County board approves $57,153 asbestos abatement and $18,929 ductwork for middle school renovation

The Bath County Board of Education voted June 22 to approve two change orders tied to the Bath County Middle School renovation after staff reported concealed asbestos above a mechanical ceiling and an omitted rooftop duct connection.

Project staff reported that crews found asbestos concealed above the mechanical room ceiling during phase-two work in the basement, gym and locker rooms. The board approved PR3, the unforeseen abatement, at a cost of $57,153.36 to remove and properly dispose of contaminated materials so work can continue. David, who provided the progress update, said the contractor identified the material as hazardous and that an abatement contractor will perform full removal and disposal. "We had someone on site to verify that it is something that was concealed and that needed to be addressed," he said.

The board also approved PR1, a $18,929 price to run a duct from the cafeteria/kitchen rooftop air-handling unit and connect it to the building. Staff explained that the duct run was omitted during coordination between parties responsible for rooftop equipment and the mechanical design, and that the cost covers labor and materials to complete the connection.

PR2, a separate proposal request whose pricing arrived the same day, was tabled for further review; staff recommended delaying action until the board has time to compare and confirm the price.

Motions to approve PR1 and PR3 were made and seconded by board members during the meeting; each motion passed by voice vote. The board recorded no roll-call tallies in the public record for these votes but the motions carried during the meeting.

Next steps include proceeding with abatement work to clear the mechanical room and scheduling the rooftop duct installation; staff said they will continue to follow up with consultants and vendors to obtain required equipment submittals to avoid future coordination delays.