Norwin board approves permanent chiller replacement; district to install before fall

The Norwin School District Board of Education approved a long‑term replacement for an inoperable chiller used to cool school facilities, voting 7‑2 to authorize the work so the unit will be installed and functioning before the fall term.

Superintendent Dr. McCracken told the board the existing chiller was inoperable and that the district had approved a temporary replacement the prior month to keep facilities cooled. The business manager reported the temporary solution cost about $63,000 for each month and a half of service. The long‑term unit was described as having an expected life of "20 plus years."

The motion to approve the replacement (Facilities and Support Services item #7) was moved by Dr. Thomas and seconded by Mrs. De Verso. The roll call vote was 7 yes, 2 no; the motion passed.

Board members who questioned the item were allowed to ask for cost details and clarified that the district currently has available funds for the units. Staff noted lead times for rooftop units and other HVAC components elsewhere in the district and asked the board to approve now to meet the supplier schedule and have cooling in place before school starts.

The board directed staff to include the chiller replacement in the district’s planned capital work and to return with any additional warranty, service and schedule details as they finalize the contract.