School board workshop reviews $7.5 million in recommended capital projects; HVAC, roofs and buses prioritized

District staff presented a recommended $7.5 million package of capital projects funded in part by the district's half‑cent sales tax at a school board workshop, saying projected revenue and existing encumbrances leave limited unallocated funds.

Tina Giro, a district staff member who led the presentation, said the half‑cent sales tax fund currently has about $8.6 million available and staff is projecting roughly $6.8 million in revenue from March 1 through next February, producing a total available balance of about $15.0 million. Giro said prior years' projects already encumber $7.4 million and staff is recommending $7.5 million in new projects; that recommendation would leave roughly $545,000 available before accounting for a customary athletic task force allocation.

The nut graf: the recommended package emphasizes structural systems first ' HVAC, major roofing work and safety systems ' with other equipment and smaller site repairs included only if bids leave additional funds.

Giro walked the board through line items: $1.3 million for the COPS payment tied to two buildings; $1.2 million set aside to replenish the bus fleet; $1.0 million for MIS computer equipment and software; about $1.4 million…