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Board tables Trane decision on Ashland Elementary chiller after tornado pauses manufacturing; pausing could incur a 20–25% penalty
Summary
A Trane project paused after storm damage raised timing and cost questions. Facilities staff said the chiller is customized and pausing production could trigger a 20–25% charge (roughly $300,000); the board voted to table action after robust discussion and requested further detail before approving continuation.
District facilities staff notified the board on June 10 that a Trane contract to replace or upgrade HVAC equipment at Ashland Elementary had been paused because of tornado-related disruptions, and that pausing production of a custom chiller could trigger a manufacturer charge.
Mr. Watson, a district facilities representative, summarized the situation: Trane had already begun manufacturing a chiller customized for Ashland; because of the tornado the work stopped and Trane asked whether the district wanted to proceed immediately or pause. Watson said a pause could require the district to pay roughly 20–25% of the chiller cost because the unit is already in production; he said that amount is "around $300,000." He also said the chiller is configured for that school specifically and could not be moved to other buildings without modification.
Board discussion focused on risk and information gaps. Members said they wanted clearer cost and timeline details, and multiple trustees expressed concern that pausing could be more expensive than continuing. Facilities staff said the project already has a contract with Trane and that continuing manufacturing is likely the most cost-effective course, but they could not guarantee the school would be ready for the coming school year because interior conditions and further inspections remain uncertain.
Because Trane did not send a representative to the meeting to answer detailed contractual questions and because several specific cost and timeline questions remained unanswered, the board voted to table the Trane item (agenda item 10.2) rather than take immediate action. The recorded roll call after the motion to table shows board members voted in the affirmative to table the item.
Next steps: staff and Trane will supply the detailed cost, timeline, and contract-amendment information requested by trustees; the board will consider any required contract amendments or funding authorizations once that information is provided.
