Harlingen CISD trustees approved an emergency contract to replace the exterior switchboard at Memorial Middle School after a transformer box failure caused significant electrical damage, district staff said.

The district presented an engineer’s assessment of the damage and requested authority to proceed with turnkey design‑build replacement and installation of the existing switchboard and associated circuit breakers. Ida Ambrase, presenting the item, said, “The campus lost all electricity from a burnt out transformer box.” The district asked the board to authorize unforeseen purchases that may arise after a field investigation.

Facilities staff described why staff sought an emergency declaration. Mr. Tapia (identified in the meeting as present to answer questions) told trustees the exterior enclosure experienced severe rust and water intrusion; the corrosion, coupled with heavy rains, led to a major short that damaged switchgear. The district performed temporary field repairs so the campus could operate, but the consulting engineer recommended a full replacement so the equipment will not fail again during the school year.

Trustees discussed deferred maintenance and how the district prioritizes capital and facility renewals; the superintendent said the district maintains an eight‑year capital plan and will present a fuller asset‑management update to the board. Staff said federal ESSER funding had supported many recent capital repairs but that one‑time funds are largely exhausted.

On timing, staff told the board the designer/contractor expects to complete the switchboard replacement in about three weeks from work start, and the administration agreed to report back with final costs and project details after work is complete. The board voted to approve the emergency professional electrical engineering services and related expenditures; staff recorded the motion as passed during the meeting.