Springfield SD board approves HVAC upgrades, flooring project, budgets and policy changes; all votes unanimous

The Springfield School District Board of School Directors approved multiple contracts, budget items and district policies during its regular March meeting, with each action carried unanimously by a 9–0 vote.

The board approved facilities and construction contracts and related oversight work for ETR Middle School that trustees said are intended to address long-standing maintenance needs. The board authorized a $1,265,315 general construction contract with Donald Reisinger to replace flooring and ceiling tiles at ETR (Richardson) Middle School, including terrazzo flooring in the cafeteria, new carpet in music and band rooms, replacement of ceiling tiles, adding a drop ceiling where materials are failing, and replacing three movable walls with fixed partitions. The board also approved a $114,000 abatement contract with Bristol Environmental to remove asbestos floor tile at ETR and a $49,140 contract with Atlas for abatement oversight and air monitoring during the remediation work. Board members were told the flooring portion of the project will be partially funded by a grant covering $300,000 of the cost.

On mechanical systems, trustees approved a $13,371.18 proposal from Clipper Pipe and Service to add a two-ton cassette to an existing SAC‑9 unit to meet cooling demands in the ETR woodshop classroom, and a $2,215 Radius Systems proposal to integrate the additional equipment into the building automation controls.

The board approved routine governance items including the 2025–26 committee and board meeting calendar and the 2025–26 school district calendar (second reading), both carried 9–0. The board approved the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) operating budget contribution for 2025–26, which the board packet and presenters said will decrease slightly from the current year contribution; the board also approved the Delaware County Technical Schools (DCTS) budget for 2025–26 and a special-education funding and service agreement with the DCIU (presenters said the special-education amount reflects a roughly 15% decrease for 2025–26).

The board adopted district policy 237 (prohibition of electronic devices) on second reading and approved the personnel report, both by 9–0 votes.

Other routine business carried by unanimous vote included approval of the district’s participation and contributions to county-level services and trustee reappointments to the Delaware County Community College board of trustees.

Board President Bruce Lord called for each vote after discussion and, where required, the board conducted roll-call votes recorded as nine ayes and no nays or abstentions.

What the votes mean: Most items approved were presented as contract awards, budget approvals, calendar publication and routine personnel actions; several items are tied to planned summer work and routine facility lifecycle projects, and the asbestos abatement work was described as scheduled to occur over the summer with relocation of summer programs out of the building.

Votes at a glance (actions approved 9–0 unless otherwise noted): - Consent agenda (carried, 9–0) - Personnel report (retirements, resignations, hires, leaves) — approved, 9–0 - Policy 237 (prohibition of electronic devices) — second reading/adopted, 9–0 - ETR Middle School HVAC (Clipper Pipe & Service) — $13,371.18 to add 2-ton cassette, approved, 9–0 - ETR HVAC controls (Radius Systems) — $2,215 to integrate new equipment, approved, 9–0 - ETR (Richardson) Middle School flooring & ceiling replacement (Donald Reisinger) — $1,265,315 general construction contract, approved, 9–0 (flooring portion partially covered by a $300,000 grant) - ETR flooring abatement (Bristol Environmental) — $114,000 for asbestos tile removal, approved, 9–0 - ETR abatement oversight and air monitoring (Atlas) — $49,140, approved, 9–0 - 2025–26 district committee & board meeting calendar — approved, 9–0 - 2025–26 school district calendar (second reading) — approved, 9–0 - 2025–26 Delaware County Intermediate Unit operating budget (district contribution) — approved by roll call (nine ayes); presenters said contribution will decrease slightly to $57,298 from $58,401 for the current year - 2025–26 Delaware County Technical Schools budget — approved by roll call (nine ayes); presenters reported an increase tied to projected enrollments - 2025–26 special education funding and service agreement with DCIU — approved; presenters said this reflects a roughly 15% decrease (from $349,749 to $296,007 as stated in the meeting) - Delaware County Community College trustee reappointments (multiple individuals) — approved by roll call (nine ayes)

Board comments and context: Facilities presentations and project descriptions were given by Pete Olson, a district staff member who outlined scope and timing; presenters said asbestos tile and failing ceiling materials date to the building’s original construction and that abatement work will take place over the summer with relocation of activities during the work. Finance items were presented by Deborah Maslowski (presented DCI and technical school budgets) and the board clerk conducted roll-call votes when called for.

No motions failed or were tabled at the meeting. Several items described grant funding and lifecycle-planned work; the board’s votes approved contracts and budgets as presented, with implementation and scheduling details to be carried out by district staff and contractors.