Oak Ridge Schools approves $245,000 boiler replacement at Oak Ridge High School
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Summary
Following a failure of the east-side boiler loop at Oak Ridge High School, the board approved contracting McMahon Mechanical Inc. for purchase and installation of a replacement system for $245,000; the contractor estimated the first boiler could be operational within about four weeks.
The Oak Ridge Board of Education unanimously approved a $245,000 purchase and installation contract with McMahon Mechanical Inc. on Jan. 14 to replace a failing east-side boiler at Oak Ridge High School.
The superintendent presented the recommendation and facilities staff described the failure: the east loop includes heating for the performing arts center, CDC classrooms, music rooms, the cafeteria, and the far-east wing of the high school. Facilities staff told the board one boiler failed during winter startup and a second unit developed a component problem; staff have temporarily "rigged" the secondary boiler to keep the system operating while they seek replacement parts or a full replacement.
Mr. Thacker, a district staff member who described the equipment and recent service history, said the existing east-side boilers were original to the 2005 installation and that the district had used the same vendor—s units in other schools. He told the board the contractor located a unit that matches existing systems and could begin work upon approval. The contractor estimated the first boiler would be operational in about four weeks, barring supply delays, and the work would be done in phases so building operations would not be disrupted.
The motion to approve the purchase and installation, as presented by the superintendent, passed unanimously. District staff said they will monitor the east-side loop daily until both boilers are replaced and that space heaters are in use as a temporary measure in some classrooms.
