Board approves scaled-back auditorium sound system after $6.07M cost-reduction review

The Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education voted May 8 to approve a scaled-back change order for the 6–12 campus auditorium sound system after administration and consultants offered lower-cost options.

Superintendent Andrea Selico told trustees the original design returned a number that "was not affordable, frankly," and that district teams worked with designers and contractor Hammond to produce alternatives. "It'll save us about $6,070,000 dollars," she said, describing the selected option as a scaled design that still delivers premium sound and preserves infrastructure "pathways" for future speaker additions if donors fund upgrades.

The board asked how the new system compares with the district's existing auditorium; administration said the new performing-arts space is smaller and the sound quality will be comparable despite fewer speakers. Trustees said they wanted reassurance the chosen option would support community expectations for performances.

The motion to approve the change order was moved, seconded and carried by roll call with all recorded votes in favor.

Separately, the district's construction core team updated trustees on site progress — poured concrete, roofing delivery, steel erection, road widening coordination with Dominion and upcoming events including beam-signing and staff tours. Staff described donor and grant efforts for a planned planetarium: the dome is estimated at $20,000 for phase one with a projector to follow if additional funding is raised.

Next steps: administration will finalize contract paperwork related to the change order, continue construction coordination, and advance donor outreach for the planetarium and other facility items.