Board approves $186,404 change order for Opportunity High roof; state grant to cover cost

The Marshall Public Schools Board approved a change order adding $186,404.07 to the Opportunity High School roof project after McDonald Roofing found that actual roof composition required a fully adhered system rather than the mechanically attached system originally specified.

Brad Shedd, Marshall facilities director, told the board the roof assembly over the gym included poured gypsum over techum decking — an unexpected composition that necessitated a different roofing approach. The additional Tremco materials and McDonald Roofing labor for the fully adhered system will increase the project cost by $186,404.07, but staff said available funds remain in the Michigan Section 351 grant to cover the extra expense, so the change order does not increase local district spending.

Board members noted the area had leaked in the past and asked for clarification about the work; Brad said the site had a prior leak in the southwest corner and that cores taken earlier did not reveal the full composition. The board approved the change order by voice vote (motion by Mark Mihalka, supported by Jerry Underhill). Staff said the project had already been board‑approved and the change order was to accommodate conditions found during work.

District staff will use grant funds to absorb the additional cost and proceed with materials and labor changes to complete the roofing work.