Corvallis School Board authorizes up to $5.75 million for Osborne Aquatic Center roof repairs; board declines hearings on two complaints

The Corvallis School Board on July 1 authorized the district to enter into a contract with Eagle Mountain Construction, Inc., for structural roof repairs at the Osborne Aquatic Center for an amount not to exceed $5,750,000 and directed staff to continue efforts to secure the remaining funding for the project.

Board members said the work is a milestone for the community, preserving a facility used for swim lessons, recreation and lifesaving training. District staff told the board there remains an approximate $1.2 million funding shortfall; board members and staff said they will continue fundraising and pursue partnerships with the city and county and legislative supports to fill that gap.

Ryan, a district staff member who addressed procurement, said the district pre‑qualified bidders so it could evaluate experience and financial capacity before opening bids and that Eagle Mountain was the lowest responsible bidder. "We intentionally pre‑qualified bidders so that we can look at their ability to fulfill the contract prior to bidding," Ryan said. He added that the district relied on qualifications and financial reviews when creating the short list.

A board member asked whether the project would need to be descoped if the remaining funding is not secured by May 2027. District staff responded that some elements — specifically the liner and HVAC — could be removed from the scope if necessary; staff stated that, under the negotiated contract terms provided to the board, descoping those items would not automatically trigger penalties. The board directed staff to continue fundraising and provide regular updates.

Staff said the district will post monthly construction updates to its website and that the city will lead communications about programming and impacts to pool operations. The board asked for written status reports to be provided prior to May 2027 and for project milestones to be shared with the board and the public as construction progresses.

The board also took two procedural votes earlier in the meeting, voting not to hold hearings on two complaints that were discussed in executive session. The motions were moved and seconded and passed by the voting members present.

Votes at a glance • Complaint No. 1 — Motion that the board not hold a hearing. Mover: Chris; seconder: Sammy. Outcome: approved by members present (names recorded in roll call). • Complaint No. 2 — Motion that the board not hold a hearing. Mover: Sammy; seconder: Bernie. Outcome: approved by members present (names recorded in roll call). • Osborne Aquatic Center contract — Motion to authorize the district to enter into a contract with Eagle Mountain Construction for structural roof repairs, not to exceed $5,750,000, and to direct staff to continue efforts to secure remaining funding. Mover: Sammy; seconder: Therese. Outcome: approved by members present.

The board said it will continue to provide written updates to the board and link progress reports to the district website. With the motions passed, the meeting closed.