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Board approves $122,600 gym-floor fix and $119,154 track drainage change order after on-site issues found
Summary
Directors reported unexpected conditions — tar and buried conduit beneath the gym subfloor and inadequate track drainage — prompting two change orders. The board approved $122,600 for floor leveling and $119,154 for drainage improvements; members discussed timing and warranty questions.
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education voted to approve two change orders for high school facilities after inspectors and contractors found unforeseen construction issues.
Director Dash described the gym project first: crews removing the old floor uncovered tar and buried conduit and water pipes that left the subfloor uneven. The contractor recommended grinding targeted areas and applying 100 bags of self-leveling material to ensure a level substrate for the new gym floor. The change order added $122,600 to the project for that work; the facilities committee and finance committee recommended approval and the board approved the change order by roll call.
Separately, the board considered an updated scope for the high school track. Architects and contractors found the existing drainage system inadequate; sediment and runoff were washing onto the track, producing mold and moss. The proposed change order to replace and improve the drainage and storm system raised the project cost by $119,154 (from about $1.868 million to roughly $1.987 million). Board members pressed for clarity on schedule impacts; contractors and staff said demolition would start in mid-November, paving would be completed before winter pause, with final surfacing and line striping expected in spring and full completion by next June.
Trustees emphasized the need for strong inspection and contract oversight to avoid cost overruns and to ensure projects are completed to standard. Several members asked staff to seek warranty language and to negotiate possible schedule mitigations or rebates for delayed completion. The board approved both change orders and directed facilities staff to monitor contractor performance and report updates at future meetings.
Both approvals were presented as necessary repairs to achieve durable, long-term solutions rather than short-term patches.
