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Facilities committee recommends committing $1.5 million to HVAC work (chiller replacement) over district‑wide security upgrade
Summary
The facilities committee debated whether to allocate $1.5 million to replace an aging chiller and other HVAC needs or to purchase a district‑wide cloud‑based security system; it recommended prioritizing HVAC and asked the finance committee to consider committing the funds.
The Keystone Central School District facilities committee debated whether to commit $1.5 million of general‑fund resources to HVAC replacement work (including a high‑priority chiller) or to use the funds for a district‑wide security camera and access‑control upgrade. The committee recommended prioritizing HVAC work and asked that the finance committee consider a formal funding commitment.
What staff presented: Facilities staff described a chiller at one district high‑school building that has reached the end of its service life (installed with the building about 25 years ago) and said the unit requires increasing repairs and is at risk of catastrophic failure. A contractor estimate for the chiller was included in the packet and staff said that estimate’s pricing was valid for five days (the day of the meeting). The chiller quote covered one critical piece of a broader set of HVAC needs; staff said $1.5 million would address the highest‑priority HVAC replacements across the district but would not complete every needed HVAC project.
Security alternative: Staff also presented a vendor demonstration and proposal for a cloud‑based camera and door‑access system (Verkada). The Verkada approach would lease equipment and include software and maintenance under a 10‑year license; staff said the system would provide unified cameras and door access across schools and often includes ongoing upgrades and remote technical support. Staff arranged a test unit for security staff to evaluate and offered site visits to nearby districts that use the system.
Committee deliberation and reasons: Board members agreed both projects are needed. Several members (including those who had investigated grant opportunities) said security grants are highly competitive and often favor larger districts; staff reported some limited grant and equipment funds are available but not a reliable source for a district‑wide replacement. Board members raised operational and safety concerns about loss of air conditioning, potential mold and health issues if the chiller fails during warm months, and the risk of shutting down building operations if the chiller catastrophically fails. Committee members also noted the practical option of temporarily using portable air conditioners if needed while HVAC replacements are staged.
Decision and follow up: The committee directed administration to recommend that the finance committee and full board commit $1.5 million to HVAC capital projects (aimed at replacing the chiller and addressing other high‑priority HVAC needs at the high‑school and Woodward Elementary). Staff said that, if the $1.5 million is committed, they will proceed with formal bidding and with a plan to apply the funds across the district’s highest priorities; if Liberty Curtain bond funds remain after construction, staff recommended channeling any remainder toward safety and security systems at a later date.
Ending: The facilities committee will present the recommendation to the finance committee and bring a resolution to the full board agenda in April to formally commit the funds and authorize subsequent procurement steps.
