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Board approves Schneider Electric contract; district to replace failing VRF systems at Rubadoux Middle
Summary
After extensive discussion, the board approved contracts to continue energy-efficiency projects and to replace failing variable-refrigerant-flow (VRF) equipment at Rubadoux Middle School. Administrators said the VRF systems had produced classroom temperatures in the 40s and required frequent, costly repairs.
The St. Joseph School District Board of Education approved contracts with Schneider Electric and related construction actions to advance energy-efficiency projects and a major HVAC replacement at Rubadoux Middle School.
District construction and operations staff and representatives from Schneider Electric briefed the board on multi-phase energy and HVAC work that began in 2019. Staff said Central High School’s phase 4 work is roughly 80% complete behind the scenes and will allow full heating and cooling capability when final commissioning is finished this summer and fall. The board heard that Central’s project was not funded from the April 2024 bond but from prior allocations and other district funding.
The meeting focused on Rubadoux Middle, which staff said is nearly 100% served by VRF heat-pump systems that have required heavy maintenance. Schneider representative Drew Sebelius summarized engineering work and a proposed scope that replaces classroom-serving VRF with packaged rooftop units and reuses existing duct distribution where possible; each classroom will have one thermostat and individual control, Sebelius said.
District staff said the VRF systems had generated extreme cold classrooms, with recorded space temperatures “in the forties” during winter operations, and that the district spent about $140,000 over two years to maintain the building. The board heard the Rubadoux package, including rooftop units, BAS (building automation system) integration and associated work, totals a little over $3.5 million; the bond included approximately $2.65 million for HVAC and staff said they will reallocate remaining bond savings and operating funds to cover the balance.
Administrators stressed timing constraints: equipment lead times are currently 12 to 16 weeks, and most major replacement work must happen during summer break to avoid disrupting classrooms. Schneider said the district has used 179D tax-incentive reporting and other rebates to help fund BAS expansions at Coleman and Lindbergh and to offset costs on other projects.
After questions about schedule, cost and contingency planning, the board unanimously approved the Schneider contract and associated change orders and directed staff to proceed with summer scheduling, equipment procurement and coordination with principals and maintenance staff.
