Board hears phased roadmap for Capital Project 2024, including expanded cooling beyond original plan

Facilities staff and outside consultants presented a phased construction and procurement roadmap for the district’s Capital Project 2024, describing components that will be carried out across multiple summers and noting that initial work on boilers and showers is furthest along and recommended for award.

Jesse Morel (director of facilities) and consultant Perry Sheldon described how scope grew from initial mechanical work (boilers and chillers) to include fire alarm and PA systems, security vestibules, athletic field resurfacing (artificial infield with natural outfield and an alternate for the softball outfield), theater improvements, pool and district office accessibility upgrades. Garrett Hamlin and Pam Yamel of Tetra Tech identified the design and SED submittal schedule and noted that some elements will be procured via state or cooperative contracts to streamline vendor selection and maintain consistency across buildings.

Staff emphasized phasing to avoid multiple buildings under heavy construction at once and said some work will be performed nights and weekends. The team noted cooling centers (cafeterias, gyms) were the original voter-approved component for elementary schools, but within budget they have identified ways to expand cooling to a significant number of classrooms; however staff said they cannot promise 100% classroom air conditioning. The board had a subsequent vote on awarding the first group of contracts for boiler/chiller work (the bid award was approved 8 to 0).