Board approves cooperative purchase to replace Spottswood Elementary air handler

The Harrisonburg City School Board on Sept. 2 approved using a cooperative purchasing agreement to replace an air handler at Spottswood Elementary School, an item listed in the district's capital improvement plan.

Staff member Mr. Prince presented the proposal, explaining the district would "piggyback" on an existing higher-education procurement contract rather than conduct a separate full bid. "Following our procurement guidelines, we can piggyback on college university contracts," Prince said, adding that the district benefits from negotiations already completed by the lead contracting institution.

Board members questioned the size and timing. One board member said, "$300,000 piggyback just strikes me as a big number," while staff said the figure reflected the equipment and installation scope and that, if approved, orders would be placed promptly so work could occur over the summer when students are not in session.

The motion to approve the purchase order and to proceed under the cooperative procurement arrangement was moved by Dr. Cohen and seconded by Miss Laughlin; the board voted unanimously to approve the item. Staff said the procurement meets district guidelines and will use the cooperative contract for ordering and pricing, with installation planned for the summer following order placement.

Staff will issue the purchase order and begin vendor scheduling; the item is part of the district capital improvement plan and carries typical contract language protecting the district against material price fluctuations.