Corning school board approves $61,428 in construction change orders after Estes Construction update

CORNING, Iowa — On May 19, 2025, the Board of Education of the Corning Community Schools voted unanimously to approve $61,428 in change orders for the district's ongoing construction project after a presentation by Estes Construction representatives.

Ryan Nelson and Adam Hawxby of Estes Construction reported on the project and presented vendor-level change orders: A-One Geothermal (glycol concentration) for $2,750; Lincoln Lawn Care (retaining wall extension and tile installation) for $36,004; and Keul Electric items—plywood mechanical-room door access ($6,927), power to condensate pumps ($10,938), kitchen light fixtures and controls ($3,000) and HP-36 mechanical-room requirements ($1,809)—a Keul Electric subtotal of $22,674. The board subsequently approved Estes Construction change orders "as presented with basic light switch option" for a total of $61,428 on a motion by Trent Roberts, seconded by Stephanie Hodapp; the vote was recorded as unanimous.

Board President Staci Venteicher and district administrators including Superintendent Chris Fenster and Board Secretary Jodi Lyddon were present for the report; the transcript records that Josh Keul also described upgrades needed for the baseball and softball fields but does not list separate approved funding for those field items in the motion recorded.

The change orders affect contractor scope and short-term project costs; the transcript does not specify whether the district will reallocate budget lines or seek additional funding. No public comment on the construction items was recorded in the transcript. The board adjourned at 9:22 p.m.