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District outlines safety, fire, HVAC and pre-K plans; playground ADA upgrades prioritized
Summary
The committee reviewed extensive safety and security work (Trio security, cameras, fencing), fire‑alarm upgrades by GB Manchester, HVAC phasing with some ESSER funding, districtwide pre‑K classroom planning and targeted ADA playground installs at four sites.
The Bond Oversight Committee reviewed safety, fire, HVAC and programmatic plans tied to the bond work, and discussed how bond funds support pre‑K classroom capacity while operating funds remain separate.
Eileen summarized security upgrades completed this summer: cell/DAS and ADA buttons are complete, the Trio security system and Genetec-based surveillance are substantially complete with final work at the high school, NAMS and Dilley pending. She said NAMS will receive permanent fencing and a gated access point to prevent vehicle intrusion onto the track and field.
On fire systems, Unidentified Speaker 2 said GB Manchester completed assessments districtwide except at the high school; upgrades to EST systems are underway with Dilley and NAMS largely completed and plans next for Gales Creek and the district office.
Eileen and Unidentified Speaker 2 described HVAC work staged across three summers and noted the district leveraged ESSER funds for earlier HVAC upgrades; the district is buying new classroom units and keeping a reserve for future needs. Enrique reported technology upgrades—including interactive short‑throw projectors, voice‑amplification systems for classrooms and a dark‑fiber RFP awarded to Fat Beam to provide improved network capacity to support surveillance and classroom AV.
On pre‑K, Eileen said bond funds will provide a pre‑K classroom at every elementary building (one classroom each) but will not cover operations; additional classrooms and small additions are planned at Fern Hill, Harvey Clark, Dilley and others to provide the district capacity for projected enrollment growth. Playground installs were reprioritized to focus on ADA‑friendly rubber tile at EchoShaw, Dilley, Harvey Clark and Paul McCall; other playground installs will move to fall due to procurement timing and to maximize ADA access.
Why it matters: Security and fire systems directly affect school safety; HVAC and technology upgrades affect classroom comfort and instruction. Pre‑K classroom construction increases physical capacity, but the district must secure ongoing operating funds before programs can expand.
Next steps: District will continue the Trio/security roll‑out, complete fire alarm upgrades and sequence HVAC installations over the next summers; pre‑K planning continues with architects and operations partners to identify funding for classroom use.
