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Trustees table $314,000 change order for PSJA auditorium roof after heated budget debate
Summary
Trustees voted to table a $314,000 change order to recoat the PSJA Auditorium dome after staff said core samples showed blistering in the existing foam finish. Trustees asked for more cost, timeline and budget detail before deciding whether to add the coating now or defer the work.
Board president called a lengthy discussion on the PSJA Auditorium (the "Oso Dome") renovation after facilities staff reported new findings from core samples and proposed Change Order No. 2.
Rafael Gonzalez, presenting the item, said core samples revealed widespread blistering in the dome's foam-acrylic finish. He recommended recoating the dome with a silicone product that would add a 20-year warranty, extend the project's substantial-completion timeline by 60 days and cost $314,000. Gonzalez said doing the work now would protect interior equipment and other renovation investments.
Several trustees pressed for more detail on scope, procurement and funding. Trustee Gutierrez asked whether the additional work should have been identified during design and whether the change order needed to be rebid; Gonzalez replied that the coating task is within the original contractor's scope and that the change represents an above‑and‑beyond scope adjustment rather than a separate contract that would require fresh bids. Chief finance staff explained the district would identify funding through internal budget adjustments and vacancies rather than department cuts.
Other trustees warned the district against repeated patchwork spending and asked for assurance the repair would hold long-term. Trustee comments referenced past contingency use and a recent history of project change orders that pushed some totals higher than expected. Trustees discussed tradeoffs between a one‑time capital expense and recurring budget priorities such as staff compensation.
Trustee David moved to table the change order to allow informal discussion and additional review; the motion was seconded and passed. The board will revisit the dome recoating after additional briefings on budget sources, contractor assessment and risk to recently installed interior systems.
The item was tabled; no final contract or payment was approved at the meeting.
