Construction update: bond sales, generator options and approved reroof and portable reconnection projects

Liberty Hill ISD construction staff reported progress on multiple bond‑funded projects, proposed options for campus emergency power and won board approval on two immediate facilities actions.

Bond and project status: The district reported it has spent or encumbered about 98.5% of its 2021 bond ($491.7 million authorized), with $7.1 million unallocated and $6 million of board‑approved projects pending. The district completed three bond sales in the 2023 series totaling $317 million; cash received to date for the first two sales is approximately $192.44 million and about $140 million has been spent or encumbered against that cash.

Reroof Liberty Hill Middle School: Construction staff presented a recommendation to replace the school’s existing standing‑seam metal roof with a fully adhered membrane system (TPO) over two layers of insulation and a cover board to address condensation and waterproofing problems. Staff said the proposed system improves thermal performance and comes with a 20‑year manufacturer’s no‑dollar‑limit warranty plus a 2‑year contractor warranty. The board approved a contract with Dean Contracting Company in the amount of $1,959,209.50, to be funded from the 2021 bond program. Trustee Dustin Ferguson moved approval; Trustee Jamie Nabors seconded the motion.

Generator options discussed: Staff presented rough order‑of‑magnitude (ROM) costs for campus generator options. A minimal option to back up a campus MDF (main distribution frame) and keep technology systems and security running was estimated at about $200,000 per campus; backup for MDF plus foodservice kitchen/freezer was estimated at around $600,000; and a more extensive option to back up an athletics area (shelter space), restrooms, kitchen and MDF was estimated at roughly $1.2 million. Staff noted natural gas availability reduces long‑term maintenance compared with diesel generators and recommended installing transfer switches on new builds to allow future generator connections.

Portables reconnection at Santa Rita Middle School: The board approved $395,912 (cost‑plus arrangement via Braun & Butler, including a $40,000 contingency and consultant fee) to reconnect three relocated portables at Santa Rita Middle School and to complete related work at Liberty Hill Elementary (including installing a previously deferred fire hydrant line and providing a small play court where portables were removed). The motion to approve reconnection work was made by trustee Wesley Neighbors and seconded by trustee Kendall Carter; trustees approved the item by voice vote.

Why it matters: The approved reroof and portable reconnection are immediate facilities actions to protect school assets and accommodate enrollment and safety requirements. The generator estimates represent capital options that could preserve critical operations in prolonged outages.

Discussion and next steps: Staff will proceed with contracting and scheduled installation, subject to weather and material lead times. Construction staff said some project savings from job‑order contracts and returned contingencies have been reallocated to capital needs; trustees asked for further detail on the transportation facility repairs and for follow‑up presentations on generator choices and associated lifecycle costs.

Votes at a glance: Reroof Liberty Hill Middle School — motion by Dustin Ferguson, second by Jamie Nabors; outcome: approved. Reconnect three portables at Santa Rita Middle School — motion by Wesley Neighbors, second by Kendall Carter; outcome: approved.