Mercer County Board approves change orders, OKs waiver to extend facilities plan through 2030

The Mercer County Board of Education voted unanimously to request a waiver to extend the district facilities plan through 2030 and approved four change orders tied to the new Mercer County Elementary School project.

Superintendent Jason Boomer and district facilities staff told the board the waiver would preserve the existing facilities plan while giving the district time to finish construction and optional future revisions. A staff presenter summarized that the Kentucky Board of Education had already agreed to keep the current plan and that the local planning committee recommended asking for a waiver to push the plan timeline to 2030; the board then moved, seconded, and approved the waiver request.

The board then considered four change orders for the elementary school, each approved by roll-call votes in which all recorded members voted yes. Change order 18 adds 24 feet of cabinetry to provide storage on the auditorium stage to support music and event equipment, addressing a missing storage area identified during design reviews. Change order 19 was described as a no-cost transfer of funds between contractors to cover saw-cut remediation of incorrectly sized stone caps on canopy posts; the district stated the swap leaves the school fiscally neutral. Change order 20 combines identified cost savings—removal of an unused tack strip on marker boards and substituting smaller-caliper trees in landscaping—returning money to the project budget. Change order 21 modifies site and paving details to alter entry lanes and turning radii with the stated goal of improving car stacking and drop-off flow, including designated preschool parking; staff said the change adds a small number of prep days but should not delay school opening.

Board members asked clarifying questions during discussion about staging, timeline impacts and traffic geometry; staff repeated that flooring, casework and most interior finishes are complete, exterior work and landscaping remain, and contractors expect to wrap up the remaining items within weeks. The board also noted the athletic stadium project is out to bid and that bid openings are scheduled next week.

Votes at a glance
- Waiver to extend district facilities plan to 2030: motion approved (vote recorded as unanimous).
- Change order 18 (auditorium stage cabinetry): approved by roll call; Amber Francheski — Yes; Amy Hart — Yes; Bill McGomery — Yes; Cliff — Yes; Randy Phillips — Yes.
- Change order 19 (no-cost funds transfer for stone-cap remediation): approved by roll call; Amber Francheski — Yes; Amy Hart — Yes; Bill McGomery — Yes; Cliff — Yes; Randy Phillips — Yes.
- Change order 20 (credits / scope adjustments): approved by roll call; Amber Francheski — Yes; Andrew Martin — Yes; Bill McGomery — Yes; Cliff — Yes; Randy Phillips — Yes.
- Change order 21 (site/paving/traffic modifications): approved by roll call; Amber Francheski — Yes; Amy Hart — Yes; Bill McGomery — Yes; Cliff — Yes; Randy Phillips — Yes.

What happens next: District staff said contractors will continue finishing punch-list items, complete curb-and-gutter and sidewalk pours, install playground equipment foundations, and work the remaining exterior finishes; bids for the athletic stadium will be opened next Thursday and reviewed in a special call meeting.