District outlines sinking-fund projects, pool repairs and proposed cell-tower lease; solar and rebates may offset costs
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Summary
Tecumseh Public Schools updated the board on sinking-fund priorities and capital projects: immediate pool dehumidifier repairs this summer, a March window for the pool roof replacement, a roughly $98,000 elevator repair at the middle school with long lead time, Consumer Energy rebates of approximately $45,600, and a proposed cell‑tower lease that could bring in monthly revenue.
Tecumseh Public Schools presented a detailed capital update at the April 28 meeting, linking sinking-fund projects, state and utility incentives, and potential revenue opportunities aimed at funding building repairs.
Facilities director/administration reported the district received Consumer Energy rebates totaling about $45,600 related to last summer’s boiler replacements (the district had expected roughly $35,000). The district is pursuing multiple grants and incentives for solar and roof projects and has completed an initial walk-through that could allow roof work this summer if grants are approved.
The high-school pool required an immediate dehumidifier replacement after an April failure; administrators said they plan to replace the dehumidification systems this summer so the pool can reopen for school programs and to proceed with a full roof replacement and related work March–April next school year to minimize program disruption.
The middle-school elevator requires replacement of a noncompliant component; the district cited an estimate of approximately $98,000 and a 16–18 month lead time. The vendor requires half the cost as a down payment; bids for those repairs are expected to appear on a future board agenda.
To offset capital costs, the district is pursuing a proposed cell-tower lease on high-school property; the vendor Telecad proposed a lease of $800 per month with a 1% annual escalation and a 50‑year term structured in 5‑year renewals. Trustees were told that formal approval of any lease would come to the board after final contract negotiation.
Administrators also noted possible savings by integrating solar arrays with roof replacement plans through power-purchase or financing agreements; early district estimates suggested a potential $2.4 million in avoided immediate roof costs by rolling solar into financing structures.
The board discussed procurement timelines and grant dependencies; administrators said some sinking-fund disbursements will not arrive until October and that project sequencing was being planned to match cash flow. The board directed staff to continue to pursue rebates and grants, finalize bid documents for critical repairs and return with contract approvals as needed.
