The Harlem School District board voted July 15 to move forward on design and life-safety funding for a dust-collection system in the vocational (CTE) building at Harlem High School.

The board approved a proposal for architectural and engineering services with Hagnie Architects and separately approved a life-safety amendment to allocate $531,000 for the dust-collection project. Board votes approving the design-services proposal and the life-safety funding amendment passed unanimously among members present.

District staff described the project as a health-and-safety priority for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) building. Administrators said architects and engineers have finished preliminary specifications and the next step is to put the project out to bid after finalizing scope. The administration noted that the estimate used in planning includes standard contingencies: a contractor contingency and an allowance for architect and engineering fees, and that the final bid cost may come in below the planning figure.

Jake (Jacob) Hubert, director of secondary education, and facilities staff said they have consulted with union trades about the project and plan to publicize the solicitation broadly to encourage competitive bids. The administration also advised the board the district will file the amendment with the state as required for life-safety bond proceeds and seek to complete procurement before colder months that could delay construction.

Why it matters: The dust-collection system will serve vocational shop spaces used for career training; administrators and board members framed the upgrade as a life-safety investment intended to reduce airborne particulates and better protect student and staff health.

Board members asked about prevailing-wage rules and whether students in construction classes could participate in installation; staff said prevailing-wage and certification requirements mean licensed contractors will perform the installation, although coordination with CTE instructors is planned during procurement and commissioning.

Formal actions taken:
- The board approved a proposal for services with Hagnie Architects for design of the dust-collection system (motion passed).
- The board approved a life-safety budget amendment for Harlem High School in the amount of $531,000 to fund the dust-collection system (motion passed).