Board approves using remaining 2017 bond funds to replace aging HVAC at Mission Ridge and Sierra Vista STEAM Academy

The Socorro ISD Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to allocate the remaining balance of the 2017 bond toward critical mechanical system upgrades at two campuses, approving an option that directs roughly $1.7 million to replace aging HVAC components at Mission Ridge Elementary and Sierra Vista STEAM Academy.

Director of Operations David Carrasco and Director of Construction Liliana Fierro recommended using the remaining bond balance to replace priority variable‑refrigerant‑flow (VRF) and rooftop systems that district staff described as near or past the end of their service life and, in some cases, declared obsolete by suppliers. Carrasco said Mission Ridge incurred about $80,000 in parts and repair costs this fiscal year and faces roughly $30,000 in annual energy expense for impacted wings; Sierra Vista had incurred about $27,000 in parts and roughly $70,000 in energy use for troubled zones.

Administration presented two options. Option 1 would take on a larger replacement at a single campus; Option 2 — the board’s chosen course — addresses critical areas at both campuses to maximize impact with the available approximate balance of $1.7–1.8 million. Under Option 2, Mission Ridge wings E and D would be replaced at an estimated construction cost of $1,100,000 and Sierra Vista areas K and H at about $567,000; administration said a design fee of roughly $138,000 can be covered from facilities operating funds.

Legal counsel Steve Blanco advised that the projects fall within permissible uses of bond proceeds even though they were not explicitly listed in the original bond packet. Trustees discussed tradeoffs, service impact and the fact that some systems remain functioning today but are increasingly costly and difficult to maintain because parts are no longer manufactured.

Trustee Woodcraft moved to approve Option 2; Trustee Lidriguez seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote. Administration said the project is expected to reduce maintenance and energy expenses over time; Carrasco provided an estimate of annual savings of roughly $47,000–$59,000 at Mission Ridge and $41,000–$52,000 at Sierra Vista depending on final system selection.

Trustees and staff encouraged further districtwide HVAC planning to identify other critical systems, and staff said they will return with design schedules and procurement steps. The board will close out the remaining 2017 bond funds with the approved allocations, staff said.