The Flint Board of Education on Dec. 16 authorized emergency repairs at Southwestern High School after contractors identified a failed heat exchanger that left the center of the building without heat.

Superintendent Jones said contractors Johnson & Wood and Dean Boiler diagnosed the failure and that temporary heaters brought in by SERVPRO were insufficient to sustain normal operations. Board members were told the part is in and being installed and that the district will not return students to Southwestern until building‑wide testing confirms safe, consistent temperatures. The board approved Resolution 11.24, authorizing the repairs, in a roll‑call vote.

Contractors described the technical problem as a failed heat exchanger in a tunnel that transfers heat between the steam and hot‑water systems; two of three zones remained at about 70°F while the center zone was as low as the 50s–60s. Johnson & Wood said the exchanger had been installed about three years ago but that other system components date to the building's original construction. The contractor said there is a one‑year labor warranty on the replacement work.

Trustees pressed for full testing across the building, for precise temperature reporting, and for clarity about whether a full boiler replacement would be more cost‑effective. A preliminary figure for a new boiler was discussed—"about $100,000"—but trustees asked the superintendent to provide more definitive estimates and the rationale for repair versus replacement.

Separately, contractors reported on a major pipe break and water intrusion at Northwestern, which required pumping and extensive cleanup. SERVPRO reported roughly $200,000 so far for pumping and cleaning; contractors proposed a temporary trailer‑mounted boiler for the campus (installation near $200,000, rental $30,000/month and demobilization ~$150,000). Daily fuel and operating costs for temporary heat were estimated at about $15,500 per day. One temporary‑repair scenario presented a not‑final total of roughly $1.33 million (contractor estimate) to stabilize systems while permanent repairs proceed; another "heat‑only" scenario to keep the building warm over an extended period was estimated at about $2.185 million. The district indicated insurance policies could cover structural repairs (approx. $1M limit) and business interruption/added expense (approx. $2M) and that claims were filed.

Board members and contractors emphasized that some temporary costs will draw on the district's insurance and that further decisions about the extent of repairs at Northwestern will be discussed in January. The board directed staff to provide more detailed cost breakdowns, warranty information and timelines for testing and return to in‑person instruction.