Board approves next year’s capital outlay priorities, including roofing and HVAC projects

The Washington County School District board approved the district’s priority capital outlay projects and the capital-plan projects for the upcoming year after a presentation from facilities staff.

Dr. Bills (maintenance/facilities lead) presented the district’s projected capital revenues and the multi-year capital plan. He said projected revenue sources include about $84,000,000 in new property tax revenue, approximately $500,000 from the capital-outlay foundation program (subject to state-level changes), a fund balance of about $29,000,000 and roughly $2,000,000 in interest, producing a total near $115,000,000 for district capital and operating funds. For next year, the district requested approval for roughly $3,600,000 in priority projects and about $9,800,000 in capital-plan projects.

Bills described how the district compiles the five‑ and ten‑year capital plan using maintenance logs and a computerized asset-management system that records maintenance, age, and life-expectancy data. He said priority projects are smaller, routine requests developed with principals and maintenance staff, while capital‑plan items are larger predictable replacements.

Examples presented included playground equipment (about $200,000), playground concrete improvements ($150,000), Technology Building HVAC replacement (about $475,000), UPS battery backup ($250,000), and a Desert Hills roofing replacement project estimated at $745,000. Board members asked about how projects are prioritized and the scope of facilities across the district; Bills replied the district has more than 50 buildings and prioritizes work through maintenance records, principal input and cost estimates from architects.

Member Seggmiller moved to approve the capital outlay list and Member Gunn seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion passed.