Board approves elevator, HVAC, fire alarm and district laptop purchases totaling several million
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Summary
The Union board approved multiple bond‑funded capital projects — an Umak elevator replacement ($1.02M), high‑school HVAC GMP ($5.68M) and related building‑automation and fire‑alarm contracts — and authorized purchases of 1,200 student laptops ($799,188) and 300 teacher laptops ($317,700).
The Union Public Schools board voted to award several capital contracts and to approve district technology purchases during its meeting.
On the capital side, the board approved a $1,021,375.71 contract to Miller Tippens Construction to replace the piston‑style elevator at Umak with a track elevator, which district staff said is necessary after repeated failures and entrapments. "We've had one too many entrapments," Doctor Robinson said, describing water and piston issues that prompted the replacement. Construction is expected to begin after graduation and could complete by the fall semester.
The board also accepted a construction management proposal from Flintco LLC for the first phase of the high‑school HVAC replacement under a guaranteed maximum price of $5,684,756 from bond funds; the phase covers the library area, rooftop multi‑zone units and adjacent spaces, and includes ceiling and lighting work. Separately, the board approved a $449,474 purchase of building automation system controls from Harrison Energy Partners to operate the new equipment and a $325,436 contract with Lighthouse Electric and Integrated Systems to replace the eighth‑grade center fire alarm system to meet current code, including strobes and voice evacuation.
On technology procurement, the board approved the purchase of 1,200 14‑inch student laptops and accessories from Travera LLC for $799,188 (bond funds) for deployment to 10th graders and 300 teacher laptops and accessories from Travera for $317,700. Mister Borland, covering for Mister Borland/Morris' seat, told the board vendors warned of rising electronics costs and long lead times; the district said buying now reduces the risk of higher prices and supply delays.
Each motion was moved, seconded and approved by board vote at the meeting; the contracts and purchases were recorded as approved without amendments. The items will be funded from bond proceeds except the Lightstream WAN renewal (discussed separately), which is charged to general building funds before E‑Rate discounts.
