Paradise Valley board approves Horizon High chiller plant modernization and Shadow Mountain roof repairs

The Paradise Valley Unified School District governing board on Monday approved two major facilities projects funded with voter-approved bond dollars: a full modernization of the Horizon High School chiller plant and an emulsion-and-fabric repair of the Shadow Mountain High School roof.

District staff told the board the Horizon chiller plant, original to the 1980 building and operating on 20-year-old chillers, had become unreliable on hot days and that replacement parts were no longer available. The recommended scope includes removing two existing chillers and associated pumps and controls and installing two new water-cooled chillers, variable-frequency drives, upgraded electrical panels and supporting infrastructure including piping and concrete pads. Dr. Kelly Davis, director of facilities, said the work will modernize the plant to current code and improve reliability and efficiency, and staff recommended proceeding under the district's cooperative contracting arrangements using bond funding.

Board members asked whether the work would occur during the school year, whether heating would be affected, expected life-cycle and potential energy savings. Dr. Davis said the project is planned as a summer project, the school's heating is supplied by a separate boiler system and the new equipment should last at least 15 years and as long as 20—25 years; staff also expect improved electrical efficiency and eligibility for utility rebates.

At Shadow Mountain High School the board approved an emulsion-and-fabric repair of a 20-year-old academic-building roof that has sustained leaks. Staff said a full tear-off and replacement was not feasible without significant additional cost because solar panels are installed across the roof. Facilities recommended a repair solution with a five-year warranty to address leaks and protect the structure from further water intrusion. Board members asked how vendors were selected under the OneGPA cooperative contract and discussed vendor diversity; facilities staff said Progressive Roofing was selected after outreach and site tours and that the contractor had experience with roofs complicated by solar installations.

Both projects were presented as necessary to maintain safe, healthy learning environments and to protect existing building investments. The board approved the Horizon chiller project and the Shadow Mountain roofing project as presented.

Funding and procurement notes: staff indicated both projects will be funded through voter-approved bond dollars and cooperative contracts (the Horizon work was presented through a district contract; Shadow Mountain was procured through a OneGPA cooperative contract).