The Paradise Valley Unified School District governing board approved a purchase to modernize the central chiller plant at Horizon High School, citing repeated equipment failures and unreliable cooling during recent hot weather.

District staff presented details of the project, which includes removal of two existing chillers, pumps and controls and installation of two new water-cooled chillers, variable frequency drives, upgraded electrical panels and supporting infrastructure such as piping, concrete pads, insulation and ventilation. The work is funded with bond dollars identified for critical facility projects.

"It will be a summer project," Director of Facilities Dr. Davis told the board when asked whether construction would occur during the school year. Board members pressed for assurances that heating would not be affected during the project; staff said the heating system is a separate boiler system and will remain operational.

District staff described the current chillers as original to the 1980 construction and said critical repair parts are no longer available. They estimated the renovated plant would last on the short end about 15 years, and up to 20–25 years on the long end, and said increased efficiency features should generate utility savings and qualify the district for APS rebates.

Board members also discussed community use of Horizon during the summer and were told staff plans to coordinate with the principal and community partners to find alternative spaces for events during portions of the project.

The motion to approve the purchase passed unanimously.

Clarifying details: district staff said the chillers are roughly 20 years old; project scope includes mechanical, electrical and piping replacement; funding source: voter-approved bond dollars; planned construction window: summer; expected life cycle: 15–25 years; potential utility rebate eligibility noted.

Why this matters: The central plant provides cooling for classrooms and the auditorium; repeated failures had disrupted learning on hot days and the upgrades aim to restore reliable climate control and improve long-term efficiency.

Provenance (excerpt): "Pueblo Mechanical has been selected to provide central plant upgrades... The plant is original to the building and the chillers are 20 years old..." (00:30:35)

Speakers quoted: Director of Facilities Dr. Davis (first referenced at 00:32:13); Dr. Corson, presenting.