Board approves LED retrofit, HVAC design and adopts 2025–26 facilities master plan

The Worcester County Board approved multiple facilities and energy projects on June 17, including a full LED lighting retrofit at Stephen Decatur High School and design services for rooftop HVAC replacement at Pocomoke Elementary School, and it adopted the district's 2025–26 Educational Facilities Master Plan.

Sam Slayton, maintenance operations manager, told the board that the LED lighting project at Stephen Decatur High School will replace all fluorescent and halogen fixtures; the superintendent said funding comes from the Maryland Energy Administration and Delmarva Power rebates so "there's no local money being put forward for this." The superintendent recommended awarding the work to Mid Atlantic Energy Solutions in the amount of $652,758; the board approved the recommendation by voice vote.

Slayton also presented a request to approve design services for replacement of rooftop units at Pocomoke Elementary School, noting the district received $2,148,447 from the Maryland Energy Administration and had $716,149 in county funds toward the project. Design services were recommended from Guype and Associates, using the Frederick County contract, for $208,500. Slayton said the new units will be 100% electric to meet a grant requirement to reduce fossil-fuel use, and he confirmed design and replacement will be coordinated with an upcoming roof project so warranties are not affected.

Joe Price, facilities planner, presented the 2025–26 Educational Facilities Master Plan required for submission to the Interagency Commission on School Construction; the board voted to approve the 196-page plan and authorize submission. The plan updates enrollment, schematic design work (including Buckingham Elementary and an upcoming Berlin Intermediate feasibility study), recently completed projects and projected future needs.

All three items were approved in open session; motions and votes were recorded on the meeting record.