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Board approves multiple Las Banos High School change orders, unanimously passes routine resolutions
Summary
Trustees unanimously approved several change orders for Las Banos High School modernization tied to unforeseen site and structural issues, approved resolutions to support state funding applications, and tabled a contract for later review.
The Los Banos Unified School District board unanimously approved a set of construction change orders for the Las Banos High School modernization project and completed several routine governance votes at its July meeting.
Facilities staff recommended approval of change order RCO13‑O2 (BDM Inc.), RCO3‑O1 (CATCH General), RCO9‑O1 (Tarleton & Son Inc.), and a series of Category D change orders for IDR Inc. The board approved each motion by voice vote after staff explained that the changes address unforeseen existing conditions discovered during demolition and early construction (asbestos abatement, removal of abandoned utilities, replacement of deteriorated structural components and additional underground work).
"These requested changes have been thoroughly reviewed through the project's established review processes," facilities staff said, noting the district’s construction manager (CPM) negotiated reductions and that a $4,100,000 contingency previously approved would cover the work. The board approved the change orders unanimously.
Other business: the board nominated and elected the superintendent to serve as secretary of the board (motion by Laurie Gattuso, second by Jean Lieb) and approved resolutions supporting eligibility and funding applications for multiple projects, including a new Grasslands Elementary special education building and state funding applications for Los Banos High School projects. The board also approved a slate of teaching assignment waivers (Resolutions 19‑26). In the consent calendar vote the board pulled contract G‑4 (ProCare Therapy) for further staff review and directed that item be returned at a later meeting after staff examines payment terms.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve RCO13‑O2 (BDM Inc.) — approved (unanimous). - Motion to approve RCO3‑O1 (CATCH General) — approved (unanimous). - Motion to approve RCO9‑O1 (Tarleton & Son Inc.) — approved (unanimous). - Motion to approve Category D RCOs (IDR Inc.) — approved (unanimous). - Nomination and election of superintendent as secretary of the board — approved (unanimous; mover: Laurie Gattuso; second: Jean Lieb). - Resolution 18‑26 (support of applications for eligibility, determination and funding) — approved (roll call; unanimous). - Resolutions 19‑26 (teaching assignment waivers) — approved (roll call; unanimous). - Consent calendar (minus pulled item G‑4) — approved (roll call; unanimous).
Why it matters: The change orders respond to unexpected field conditions that are common in modernization projects; the board’s approvals allow the scope of work to proceed and document the use of contingency funding. The pulled ProCare contract indicates the board is exercising fiscal oversight when contract payment terms may not align with district processing practices.
Next steps: Staff will return the pulled contract (G‑4) with proposed payment-term adjustments for board action at a future meeting; the modernization work will continue under the approved change orders.
