District facilities update: asbestos abatement finished at Northwest; HVAC and chiller work ahead of schedule

Mr. Hennessy, a district facilities staff member, told the Board of Education that asbestos abatement at Northwest School finished faster than expected and that flooring contractors were "flying through" the work, allowing a staged return of materials stored in shipping containers. "The asbestos abatement went spectacularly," Hennessy said, and crews completed work in about three weeks. Hennessy said flooring installers expect to finish the school next week and that staff are assessing whether interior painting at Northwest could be completed during the December break; any painting would require architect timelines and a formal bid process and would be brought to the facilities committee. Hennessy said asbestos remains in a few pipe chases at Central that would need addressing if the district pursued a large remodel there. At Southwest School, Hennessy reported that new rooftop HVAC units are in place, ductwork in the gym is installed and old air handlers above the stage have been removed. At Southeast School, Hennessy said a chiller arrived ahead of schedule, piping is being installed and the west end of the building is expected to be available soon for setup and cleaning. Board members asked about timelines and were told contractors are generally ahead of schedule. The presentation was informational; no board action was taken.