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After split votes and debate about oversight, board selects Quandell to lead East High Elementary ESCO process
Summary
The board voted to hire Quandell as the ESCO/general contractor to lead an energy/HVAC project at East High Elementary; trustees debated McClure's prior installation issues and whether outside project oversight is needed before approving a contractor.
The Elizabethtown Area School District board on Jan. 27 selected Quandell to serve as the ESCO/general contractor for an East High Elementary HVAC/energy project after extended discussion and two motions.
Board members emphasized that capital funds from a prior bond must be spent by mid‑2027 and that the district needs to move the project forward to meet that deadline. Three firms responded to the district’s request for proposals: McClure, Quandell and SiteLogic. The board considered each in alphabetical order, debated procedure and asked administration about prior experience and any legal or financial concerns.
Trustees raised accountability concerns about McClure because McClure had previously installed a district system that later failed; board members worried McClure’s proposal to oversee both installation and project management would reduce independent oversight. Administration said McClure proposed to self‑perform installation and project management, while the other two firms would act more as general contractors and put installation work out to bid. The business officer recommended considering an independent project manager if McClure oversaw both installation and management to preserve financial oversight.
A motion to approve McClure was put to a roll‑call vote and failed (multiple no votes and one abstention). Quandell was then presented and passed in a roll‑call vote with five yeses, three nos and one abstention. The board discussed that Quandell (and SiteLogic) would act as site manager and put the installation and equipment out to competitive bid, which preserves the district’s ability to review bids and select subcontractors.
Roll‑call result for Quandell (recorded at the meeting): 5 yes, 3 no, 1 abstain.
Ending
Administration will contract with Quandell for the next step (energy audit and project scoping), which will return to the board for approval of recommended system(s) and final construction contracts. Trustees flagged the need for clear oversight and transparency about bids, scope and any proposed use of geothermal or grant funding.
