Henderson County board approves construction documents for South Middle School HVAC geothermal retrofit

The Henderson County Board of Education on July 21 approved construction documents and authorized advertising for bids for a $20,000,000 HVAC renovation at South Middle School that will replace existing systems with a geothermal heating and cooling system and add building-wide sprinkler protection.

Board action came after a presentation by district staff and the project team. Suzanne Irwin, project architect with Ross Turin Architects, described the construction-documents package of project manual and drawings. “I’m Suzanne Irwin. I’m a project architect with Ross Turin Architects,” she said. An HVAC presenter identified as Mr. Oliver told the board they plan to drill “about 176 geothermal wells” and locate wells on the football field and an adjacent yard; the field will be restored with artificial turf and a new sprinkler system after drilling.

The project will replace HVAC equipment and controls throughout classrooms, the kitchen, auditorium and gymnasium; install sprinklers in areas that do not currently have them; add new mechanical rooms in the stage area; and install new ceilings and lighting in most occupied areas except the gym and cafeteria. The team described phasing intended to keep classrooms available during the school year: small groups of three or four classrooms will be completed and returned to use in sequence, with corridors and some work scheduled for weekends or after hours to reduce disruption to instruction.

The board was asked to approve revised BG-1, BG-2 and BG-3 documents and to authorize advertisement for bid. The district’s schedule presented to the board included a three‑week bid period beginning the week of July 23 with a scheduled bid opening on Aug. 14 and a possible contract award at the August board meeting. The proposed construction start was October 2025, with phased work through August 2026 and substantial completion in 2026.

Board member Mr. Alves moved to approve the construction documents and to authorize the district to advertise; Mr. McGar seconded. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Project documents presented to the board also include at least two alternates: (1) replacement of some HVAC equipment and controls with specified manufacturer equipment on request and (2) replacement of auditorium carpet as an alternate. The presenters said patching and finish work will be part of the contract, and that mechanical equipment will be located to reduce noise and improve maintenance access.

The board heard assurances that the field and affected outdoor areas will be restored; the presenters said the plan is to return the football field to artificial turf and to install a sprinkler system. The construction team emphasized coordination with school leadership and phasing to keep classrooms operational. No additional funding sources or contract awards were decided at the July 21 meeting; the board only approved the documents and authority to solicit bids.

Board members expressed appreciation for the planning and coordination with school staff and for efforts to reduce disruption to instruction.