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Board weighs air-conditioning options after staff report gym reaches nearly 90°F
Summary
Staff described gym conditions that reached roughly 90°F during warm afternoons, reported using a wet-bulb/wet-globe instrument indoors to assess heat-risk, and recommended an energy study, engineering specs and possible use of capital funds after a large payoff; initial cost estimates exceeded $250,000 but vendors suggested the work may cost less, and projects above $136,000 would require formal bidding.
District staff and board members spent substantial time discussing HVAC and ventilation in the middle school gym. Mr. Alexander, introduced to lead the discussion, said staff have been using a wet-bulb/wet-globe instrument (commonly used to judge heat/humidity safety for outdoor activities) indoors to assess whether conditions make indoor gym class or practice unsafe.
An unidentified presenter said gym afternoon temperatures have reached about 90°F and that staff sometimes relocate PE activities to the cafeteria when the gym is too hot. The presenter said the gym can feel 'stuffy' and that the six overhead fans provide limited air movement; without industrial fans, the wet-globe readings would sometimes indicate indoor practice should be avoided.
Mr. Alexander said he initially estimated a full air-conditioning installation might exceed $250,000 but reported that HVAC vendors did not think the price would be that high. He noted a procurement threshold the district must observe: any project above $136,000 would require engineering drawings and a public competitive bid process. He recommended the district first commission a district-wide energy-efficiency study and pursue engineering specs before issuing a request for proposals.
On financing, Mr. Alexander said the district will make a scheduled $1.7 million payment in December on an existing capital financing arrangement; after that payoff the district could consider using quality capital-purpose undertaking funds for building upgrades, although he emphasized the need to confirm eligibility and run the standard engineering and procurement steps before proceeding.
Board members also asked about operational costs and energy use; Mr. Alexander said the district can investigate energy-efficiency grants and noted the district has replaced multiple units recently but some equipment may be at the end of its useful life.
No formal decision or funding authorization was taken at the meeting; board members expressed support for ordering an energy study and developing engineering specifications as next steps.
