The Williston school board approved a design scope to replace the main boiler and related mechanical systems at Lewis and Clark, authorizing designers to include piping replacement in the base design and to offer a new air‑handler unit as a bid alternate.

Nick Lippert of JLG Architects summarized scope options for the project: replacement of boilers and some basement piping, assessment of existing fin‑tube radiation, and (potentially) replacement of air‑handling equipment and fresh‑air systems. He said the architect’s current budget estimate for a full project completion is roughly $2.4–$2.5 million.

Lippert explained that the design team will include piping replacement in the base design and list the air handler as a bid alternate so the district can decide on the alternate at bid time depending on the condition of the existing piping. Board members were told the piping condition is unknown and that intermittent pipe samples or visual inspection will be used to look for internal corrosion; if the existing steel piping has significant corrosion it would require full replacement, but if piping can be saved the project would require significantly fewer labor hours and cost less.

Lippert said the construction schedule targets summer work and a late‑September system start because boilers cannot be fully started until heat is required; he emphasized that saving piping would reduce labor hours though not necessarily the project start and end dates. The board approved the motion to proceed with design (piping included in the base design, air handler as alternate); a roll call recorded unanimous aye votes.

Board members requested follow‑up once mechanical inspection results are available; Lippert said the project team expects to have piping‑condition information by the next board meeting and that the district can choose alternates on bid day.