Apr 17, 2015 3 min read

CARMICHAELS – Carmichaels Area School Board has expressed concerns in recent months about the many change orders it has been asked to approve for the junior-senior high renovation project, but as work has started to move from the junior high to the senior high, things have begun to improve.

The board approved three change orders Thursday, a small number compared to past months. The number of change orders has dropped significantly, Superintendent John Menhart said following Thursday’s meeting.

The district at one point was considering whether it would have to reduce the scope of the project because of the additional costs associated with the unexpected work. Now, Menhart said, it’s possible the district might be able to end the project with “money left over.”

“I think we’re in good shape,” he said.

The difference, he said, is that work is now finishing up in the junior high school and starting in the senior high school.

Students were moved into the completed classrooms on the second and third floors of the junior high on March 23. This allowed contractors to begin work in the senior high.

The junior high school was constructed in 1926 while the senior high was built in 1965.

When a contractor would take down a wall in the junior high, he didn’t know what he might find behind it because of changes made in the building over the years, Menhart said. That hasn’t been the case in the more recently built senior high.

Construction in the senior high is “going well” and “ahead of schedule,” Menhart told the board. It’s possible the district will be able to move into the buildings in August, as earlier projected, he said.

Menhart also reported about 95 percent of the work has been completed in the auditorium and he expects it to be ready Tuesday for a scheduled National Honor Society event.

The board approved the three change orders totaling $61,103.73. Board members Ed McIntire and Ron Ferek voted against the motion.

The board also approved a motion to have the project architect, The Hayes Design Group, complete additional work at a cost of $7,500. The work includes preparing the design for additional supports in the band room where a weight-bearing wall was removed and for a footer for a support beam in the multi-purpose room.

The board accepted the resignation of Jason Baily, music and band instructor, who has been with the district for 11 years. The resignation was submitted April 6.

The board also accepted the resignation of Lisa Robinson from the position of student council sponsor.

The board was informed the graduation speaker this year will be Fred Stuvek Jr., a 1969 graduate who went on to become a officer in the U.S. Navy and a successful businessman. Graduation ceremonies will be held at 7:15 p.m. May 29.

The board rescheduled June’s meeting to 7 p.m. June 25.