Suffolk School Board approves renovation contract, HVAC award for proposed Innovation Center

The Suffolk School Board on Feb. 27 approved contracts to renovate the former Children’s Center into an Innovation Center to accommodate 16 instructional specialists and authorized purchase of rooftop HVAC units needed for the conversion.

The approval gives GC Commercial Incorporated a renovation contract for $773,444.46 and authorizes a separate award to Trane US Incorporated for rooftop HVAC units. The contracts were presented to the board as necessary to convert a building whose plumbing and restroom layout were designed for young children and whose HVAC units require replacement before the space can be used for adult staff and collaborative instruction, officials said.

Dr. Gordon, superintendent, told the board that staff had provided multiple months of background information and cost estimates before bringing formal resolutions. "The quote for this is actually $205,427," he said, referring to the HVAC equipment, and noted the GC Commercial award "includes the HVAC work from Trane." Board members were shown the February bid and the architect’s preliminary work and a city memo about the demolition estimate for the Freeny Avenue facility as part of the materials that informed the recommendation.

Board members raised questions about alternative space and funding. Vice Chair McGee and others asked whether any ready-to-occupy buildings existed for the 16 specialists and whether mobile units at the Freeny Avenue site might still be usable; staff replied the two mobile units there were beyond safe use and would collapse if moved or touched. Finance staff said the renovation would use projected year-end fund balance money derived from salary savings and other year-end variances rather than a dedicated capital allotment.

Board members also pressed staff on contingency planning. Several asked for a prioritized list of unfunded needs and a standing "unfunded request" list so the board can more quickly allocate year-end funds when they are available. Dr. Gordon and Wendy Forsman, finance staff, explained that the district typically can estimate year-end availability only in April and May once revenue and enrollment numbers stabilize, and that ordering HVAC equipment now is critical because equipment lead times are 10–16 weeks.

The board voted on two resolutions. On resolution 24/25-20 to award GC Commercial Incorporated for the renovation, the vote was 6–1, with Dr. Brittingham voting no and six members voting yes. On resolution 24/25-21 to award Trane US Incorporated for the rooftop HVAC units, the vote was unanimous among seven voting members.

The renovation and equipment orders are intended to be phased so rooftop HVAC units can be ordered immediately if the board affirms the contracts, with additional renovation work proceeding as funds are identified and transferred before June 30 or carried into the next fiscal year if necessary.