District 128 approves HVAC projects: LHS main gym replacement and pool equipment purchase
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Summary
The board approved a $1.28 million turnkey replacement for the Libertyville High School main gym HVAC system (with a $100,000 contingency and asbestos abatement for two units) and authorized purchase of pool HVAC equipment for $689,027 (equipment-only), including $57,498 for controls; installation and further capital planning will follow.
The Community High School District 128 board approved two capital facility actions after administration presented scope, cost estimates and timing. The largest item is a turnkey replacement of the Libertyville High School main gym HVAC system, for which recent engineering produced a revised bid of $1,280,000 (down from an earlier conservative estimate of $1.85 million). Administrators said long lead times for equipment motivated the timing of the purchase and that the project includes equipment, installation and controls as a full package, with a $100,000 contingency set aside for unforeseen conditions.
Asbestos and contingencies: During questioning, staff reported that testing identified asbestos insulation on two air-handling units in the penthouse; those units will require abatement prior to work. Staff said the remainder of the ductwork and building systems tested negative for asbestos and that abatement will be addressed before the project begins.
Vernon Hills pool equipment: The board also authorized purchase of HVAC equipment for the Vernon Hills pool from Trane for $689,027 (equipment only), with installation to be bid separately. The equipment price includes $57,498 for building controls and automation to integrate the new unit with district systems. Administration noted this pool project is part of a matching-grant opportunity.
Budget and procurement context: Board members asked why the initial conservative estimate of $1.85 million dropped to $1.28 million; staff said early estimates were preliminary and engineering refined the scope and reduced the price. Administration confirmed the project is being delivered as a turnkey contract and that contingency funds are in place to cover unforeseen conditions.
Board action and next steps: The board approved both the LHS gym project and the pool equipment purchase by roll call. Staff indicated they will manage asbestos abatement, finalize contracts, and coordinate installation timelines to align with summer work windows and equipment lead times.
Representative quote from staff: “The cost for replacing that is gonna be 1,280,000,” and administration added that they had included a $100,000 contingency for unknowns.