Board approves $161,612 change order to add glass railing to Apex athletic facility

The St. Cloud Public School District board voted May 20 to approve a $161,612 net change order for the Apex multi-purpose athletic facility to replace the originally bid metal mezzanine railing with a glass-panel system.

Amy Scallard, the district’s executive director of finance and business services, told the board that the base bid included a metal railing for budget reasons but that bids for the overall project came in favorably, creating room for the glass upgrade. Scallard said the change comprises an approximately $26,000 add for the glass contractor that is offset by a credit to the steel contractor, resulting in the net increase.

Scallard described the glass railing as a “cleaner” look that reduces climbing opportunities compared with certain metal railing systems. She presented sample photos of a comparable facility and said the proposed design for Apex will be a sleeker panel with streamlined brackets.

The motion to approve the change order was moved, seconded and approved by roll call. The administration said the change is within the project budget and therefore is not being funded through a supplemental appropriation.

Board members thanked staff for the explanation and moved on to subsequent agenda items.