Board approves change orders for school signage, emphasizing accessibility

The Fairbanks Local Board of Education approved change orders to update signage at district facilities, including a $12,248 purchase for access‑room signs and a $12,590 contract for classroom and window signage at the middle and high schools. Chair Priscilla Mack presided over the discussion and the items passed on roll-call votes.

Staff explained the classroom signage will use room numbers and include Braille but will not list teacher names "because it is possible in the future that teachers may have to share a classroom," a staff member said. The board discussed whether to exclude nonessential labels (janitor closets, boiler rooms) to reduce cost; staff recommended keeping signs for key utility rooms and egress points so first responders can locate critical spaces.

Board members asked about differences from an earlier, higher quote; staff said the current vendor's signs are thinner and significantly less expensive than the original estimate. The board approved the signage orders by roll call with all members present recorded as voting in favor. The district will proceed with ordering signage and ensuring the designs meet accessibility requirements.