School board approves mini‑split purchases, installation and electrical upgrades; board buys shot clocks

Sheridan County School District #3 trustees voted to approve multiple capital purchases and related installation contracts during the meeting, including mini‑split heat pump equipment and electrical work and new shot clocks for the gymnasium.

Trustees approved purchasing mini‑split equipment through TS Mechanical for $47,562.29 and separately approved a $40,008.37 contract with TS Mechanical for installation. An administrator noted the district received a Wyoming Energy Authority grant that will cover a portion of the equipment cost: "We did receive a grant from Wyoming Energy Authority for this project for $45,000," an administrator said. Board members discussed vendor selection, competitive quotes and standard 50% down/50% final payment terms.

The board also approved a $28,500 contract recommendation for Highlight Electric to perform several electrical upgrades, including correcting wiring and bringing select circuits up to code after a kiln wiring issue, installing new circuits for concessions and bleachers, and providing wiring runs and conduit for the planned shot clocks. A facilities staff member described the kiln issue as an amperage mismatch that created a code and safety concern and emphasized the need to correct wiring to avoid repeat problems.

Trustees approved purchasing shot clocks and related scoreboard components from Daktronics for $10,682. Discussion about that item referenced a Wyoming High School Activities Association requirement: the district’s facilities executive said the association has a 2027 compliance timeline and that failure to install shot clocks by the required date could render the district ineligible to host varsity competitions. Trustees debated funding sources (general fund versus capital construction) and warranty/installation timing; the board voted to proceed.

All motions on these capital items were moved, seconded and passed by voice vote. Next steps for each approved project include scheduling installation, finalizing permits and coordinating electrical panel work so new equipment can be energized.

Quotes from the meeting reflect the board’s focus on long‑term planning and student experience: "I do think that having this in place is gonna be a benefit to our athletes to have it as early as possible," a facilities speaker said. The board did not specify exact installation dates in the meeting minutes; staff said further cost and scheduling information will be provided as projects advance.