Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
High‑school chiller fails; Pulaski County schools face large unplanned capital expense
Summary
Facilities staff told the board the Pulaski County High School chiller is not salvageable; a 500‑ton chiller purchase quote is about $400,000, and additional installation work could push the capital cost substantially, narrowing the district's 3–4 year capital outlook.
Pulaski County School Board members were told May 13 that the main chiller at Pulaski County High School has failed and is not salvageable, prompting immediate procurement steps and a likely shift in capital planning.
Facilities staff said the district received a quote for a 500‑ton air‑cooled chiller of approximately $400,000 for the unit alone. "There's a lot of moving parts that are happening since Thursday afternoon," a facilities speaker said. "If we cut the PO to the manufacturer tomorrow, they are giving me a ship date of July 18, and we will begin the installation July 25." The speaker cautioned that the purchase price does not include substantial electrical, pump, piping and site work required for installation.
Board members and staff estimated broader costs could approach $800,000 or more, and warned that proceeding with the replacement will narrow the capital fund and delay other projects. "So depending on what we end up having to spend for the chiller, I mean, we're gonna be down, you know, $2,300,000 in that capital fund," the facilities update said, summarizing projected impacts on the fund balance and the need to delay projects such as stadium lighting and a security wall.
The facilities update also noted one other older chiller at Snowville Elementary exists on a much smaller scale and would be simpler to replace. The board discussed timing and contingency planning, and staff said they have been budgeting for major equipment replacement but described the PCHS failure as an unplanned acceleration of that need.
Staff will continue to refine cost estimates, coordinate preliminary site work and return to the board with firm contract and installation details. If the district issues a purchase order promptly, shipping could occur in mid‑July with installation to follow.
