Board tables ~$730,000 hallway change order for new performance hall after split vote

The Linn‑Mar Community School District board on April 27 declined to authorize a roughly $730,000 change order to extend the backstage hallway at the district’s new performance hall, instead voting to table the request while leadership monitors legislative and facilities developments.

John (district staff) introduced pricing and tradeoffs for Change Order #15, saying additional concrete, grading and manhole work would be required to allow trucks to back up to the stage and to create a wider backstage corridor. He described the cost as substantial and recommended waiting to see the hall’s performance over a full season.

Director Britt pushed back, saying staff and performing‑arts directors had pledged that the extension was necessary and that the group had made promises to performing‑arts staff: “I don’t think it’s right to not do the thing we said we were going to do when they told us it was needed,” she said during debate.

Director Barry voiced the opposing view, calling the change order “one of the biggest wastes of money” he had seen and describing the hallway extension as a discretionary expense that could be postponed while the district faces uncertain state funding. Justin, who had overseen event logistics, said more bluntly: “We need the hallway right now. Full stop.”

After extended discussion that weighed operational benefit against financial caution (including concerns about pending state property‑tax legislation and an upcoming district facilities assessment), Director Justin moved to table the change order pending leadership review; the motion was seconded by Director Barry and carried on a voice vote.

Board members asked administration to keep the change order on the table until the district can reconcile legislative outcomes, the facilities assessment (presentation scheduled May 11), and final project closeout timing. Staff noted that because the lane work remains part of the active contract change‑order process, delaying now risks added cost if the district later has to re‑bid the work after project close-out.