Board prioritizes HVAC, roofs and safety doors from $4.2M infrastructure stipend; bids to follow

Board members voted to give staff the "green light" to prioritize certain facility projects using the state's fast-growth infrastructure stipend, while stressing that actual spending will wait until the district receives the funds and competitive bids are completed.

A district presenter told the board the district will receive an infrastructure stipend of about $4.2 million from the state through the TISA allocation for fast-growth districts. "We are receiving $4,200,000 in an infrastructure stipend," the presenter said, explaining the formula tied to growth over the prior three years.

Board members and staff discussed a proposed project list of HVAC, roof replacements, window replacement (Castle Heights cited for air-quality issues) and playground and door work. One board member pressed for prioritizing heating, air and roof work and specifically recommended replacing two sets of exterior gym doors at Castle Heights because of failing vertical-rod hardware that presents a safety concern. "Once it fails, it's really, it's a safety concern on my side," a board member said of the existing door hardware.

Staff clarified that the list provided to the board contains estimates and that the district will not move forward with contracts until funds are deposited and the bid process is complete. "We won't move forward until money's deposited," a staff presenter said during the discussion.

Board direction and next steps: - Board approved prioritizing HVAC, roof projects, classroom window replacements and Castle Heights gym exterior doors, and instructed staff to begin the bid process for those prioritized items. - Staff will return with bid results and actual cost estimates before further allocations are authorized.

Procurement and safety context: The board emphasized proactive maintenance, citing a recent air-quality report at Castle Heights that recommended window replacement and described the importance of replacing old door hardware before failure. Staff noted some smaller items on the larger list'for example, certified playground mulch'have specialized requirements and costs that may make them less suitable for immediate prioritization.

Ending: The board approved the prioritization by voice vote but tied implementation to receipt of the $4.2 million stipend and competitive-bid outcomes. Staff will report back with bids and remaining fund balances before additional projects are authorized.