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Board approves schematic design and early demolition for South Middle School HVAC renovation
Summary
Henderson County Board of Education approved schematic design documents, energy specifications (BG‑2), a probable cost statement (BG‑3) and an early demolition package for the South Middle School HVAC renovation, moving the project into construction-document phase with commissioning and ground‑source heat pump strategies planned.
The Henderson County Board of Education on April 21 approved schematic design documents, the BG‑2 energy/design specification and the BG‑3 statement of probable cost for the South Middle School HVAC renovation, and authorized an early demolition package to be advertised for bid.
The action, requested by district staff, moves the project from design-development into construction‑document preparation. Project staff said the design aims to meet Energy Star standards, exceed ASHRAE 90, be “net‑0 ready” and will include ground‑source heat pumps, LED lighting and occupancy‑control sensors. Project staff said these elements are reflected in the BG‑2 and will be carried through the construction documents.
“Basically, it just outlines the energy ... we’re designing to meet Energy Star. We’re exceeding ASHRAE 90, designing to be net 0 ready, and then the use of ground source heat pumps, LED lighting, and occupancy control light sensors,” project staff said while summarizing the BG‑2 and BG‑3 materials presented to the board.
Ross Tarrant’s engineering consultant Backus, who described the mechanical/electrical design work, told the board that a multi‑discipline engineering team completed design development after several site visits and walk‑throughs. “One other set of eyes that’s valuable to you all as a district is there will be a commissioning authority. This project’s large enough requires commissioning authority, so all systems will be commissioned to be sure they operate as intended,” Backus said.
Board members asked about review and oversight; Backus and staff said construction documents will be reviewed by HBC (the district’s reviewer), the state inspector during construction, and a commissioning authority during system startup. The district also said it intends to deliver the work using the construction‑manager method.
The board approved the superintendent’s recommendation on a motion, with a second, and the vote was recorded as unanimous. With schematic approval and BG‑2/BG‑3 accepted, staff will complete construction documents and advertise the early demolition package to begin work over summer break as presented.
The board did not amend the scope of the design at the meeting; members emphasized the need for continued collaboration among architects, engineers and district facilities staff to address the age and multiple past renovations of the 1954 building.
Looking ahead, staff said commissioning and the construction‑manager delivery approach will help verify energy performance and operational outcomes once systems are installed.
