The Knoch School District board approves new change orders for the high school renovation at a meeting Monday, Nov. 13. Zach Zimmerman/Butler Eagle

JEFFERSON TWP — The Knoch School District board approved a list of change orders for the high school renovation project at a meeting Wednesday, Nov. 13.

While no total cost was mentioned, the board learned last week that Eckles Construction Services had pending contracts for the month of October estimated to be between $142,220 and $269,920. Around $484,000 had already been approved up to October.

The whole high school renovation project is estimated to cost $39 million.

The change orders include approved spending for a storm line trench, additional fencing, a rainwater conductor, auditorium closet flooring, asphalt paving, door hardware, replacement of a current storm line, coiling grilles, and additional electric and plumbing work.

The board received updates on the construction project at its work session meeting last week from Eckles Construction. Superintendent David Foley expressed last week that the change orders were largely a result of things that come up during construction and the board deciding whether those changes are necessary.

Foley said the board plans to approve the 2025-26 school year calendar at its December meeting so that it can accommodate construction running through the end of next summer.

“It’s going to look a little different for our students, and the rationale for that is because of construction, we’re going to start a little later, after the summer. That way, with construction, we’ll try and get everything done,” Foley said.