Board approves chiller replacement, three used buses and $1.225M appropriation transfer

On April 24 the Eagle Point SD 9 board approved several capital and appropriation actions intended to maintain operations and complete planned projects.

Chiller replacement: District staff presented replacement of a 150‑ton chiller that provides high-school air conditioning. The new chiller was estimated at $170,000 with installation costs of $40,000–$60,000. Staff said the chiller purchase is part of a larger ESSER‑funded HVAC upgrade. The board approved resolution 18 to purchase the replacement chiller by roll-call vote.

School buses: The board also approved purchasing three used school buses totaling $273,000 as part of a multi-year fleet refresh to prepare for upcoming regulatory changes. Staff explained the district had previously bought six buses over the past two years, has two new buses pending delivery, and is adding used units now to stagger fleet age. The board approved resolution 19 to purchase the buses.

Appropriation transfer: To cover overspent budget line items, the board approved resolution 20 to transfer $1,225,000 from general-fund contingency into identified support services accounts.

These purchases and transfers were presented as parts of previously authorized projects; staff said they followed required procurement steps and that some purchases are contract-by-contract. Board members asked about whether the chiller item had been previously authorized as part of the larger HVAC project; staff confirmed it was part of the ESSER project but still required separate procurement approvals.

Next steps: Staff will finalize vendor contracts, schedule installation and delivery, and report back to the board on timelines and implementation.