The Guthrie Center School Board approved the first change order for the weight room/fitness center addition project Monday.

Superintendent Dennis McClain explained to the Board that the change order is for the inclusion of an elevator. This comes as a surprise as the State Fire Marshal’s Office approved their building plans without an elevator, and then when the final plans were submitted they recanted and stated the District had no means to appeal. They received four elevator bids and approved the least expensive option of about $115,680 from Drees Company-Electrical Division.

Board President Wes Policky expressed how unfortunate it was to have this change order as the contractor bids for the total project came over their estimate this past spring, and noted that the future of this project could be unknown. He was pleased to note that fundraising for the weight room equipment has gone well, and perhaps further fundraising could be organized for the facility. The approximately $1.2 million project is largely being funded from Secure an Advanced Vision for Education funds. McClain informed the Board that Sande Construction has begun dirt work on the south side of the high school, and a construction meeting is scheduled for this week.