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Board approves change order after foundational problems found in James Wood High track; transcript shows conflicting cost figures
Summary
After contractors found foundational and drainage problems during resurfacing, the board approved a change order to repair the James Wood High School track. The transcript contains inconsistent dollar figures — a staff presenter cited $3,320,975 while the formal motion approved $320,975 — which the board record should clarify.
The Frederick County School Board approved a contract change order on Tuesday to address structural and drainage defects discovered during the James Wood High School track resurfacing project.
Mr. Thompson (speaker 4), who spoke to the item, said core samples and on-site inspection revealed deflection and other base problems under the track; he recommended stabilizing the foundation by placing a soil‑cement base and correcting a drainage issue on the field-house side to prevent water from running under the track. "The fix is essentially to put, so they call it soil cement, but essentially cement into the soil to firm up the base, and then correct a drain issue on the field house side of the track so that it can catch the water runoff and not be running under the track," Thompson said.
Thompson described the problem as affecting spots all the way around the track and argued it would be irresponsible to overlay the existing surface without repairing the base. He said the team discovered similar historic issues elsewhere and emphasized the need to do the repair correctly to avoid repeated costs. In his remarks he referenced a repair cost of "$3,320,975." Later in the meeting, speaker 2 moved that the board approve a $320,975 change order proposed by ATC Corp; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The transcript therefore contains inconsistent cost figures: both $3,320,975 and $320,975 appear.
The motion approving the change order cited Virginia code (transcribed as 'VA code section 2 dot 2 dash 43 0 9 alpha') for contract change procedure and noted the original contract value recorded in the meeting as $317,000. Board members discussed whether the track issues are the result of initial cost-cutting at construction and suggested pursuing a buildings-and-grounds review or root-cause analysis.
The board approved the change order and adjourned the meeting. The division said facility staff and the contractor would proceed with the repair work; the transcript does not include a project timeline.
