RSU 05 approves up to $55,000 from capital reserves to replace failing Durham Community School building automation system

The RSU 05 School Board voted Oct. 22, 2025, to authorize expenditure of up to $55,000 from capital reserves to accelerate replacement of the Durham Community School building automation system after the manufacturer stopped supporting the existing platform, Director of Finance Kelly Wentworth told the board.

Wentworth said the building automation system — which controls heating and ventilation and allows remote temperature monitoring and adjustments — is failing and no longer supported by the manufacturer. “The current building automation platform is failing, which is causing control issues within the building,” Wentworth said to the board, quoting the equipment vendor. Durham Community School had been scheduled for phase 2 of the district’s energy-audit work, but Wentworth said the system’s failure requires moving the work forward this year rather than waiting for the later phase.

Why it matters: without a functioning automation platform, staff must check rooms manually to confirm temperatures and make manual HVAC adjustments. The board approved using capital-reserve funds to complete the replacement now rather than deferring the project; the motion authorized expenditure up to $55,000 and included a buffer over an earlier phase‑estimate. Wentworth said she will return to the board if the project exceeds the authorized amount.

The motion passed by voice vote. The administration will issue a procurement proposal and begin the replacement work under the district’s capital-reserve authorization. If costs exceed the authorized amount, the administration said they will return to the board for additional appropriation.