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Okemos board approves Kenowa phase 2 remediation, authorizes up to $400,000
Summary
The board approved phase 2 of remediation at Kenowa, citing HVAC and moisture root causes; trustees set a $400,000 not-to-exceed authorization (about $300,000 general fund, $100,000 sinking fund) and required ERG testing, monitoring, and return if costs grow.
The Okemos Board of Education voted unanimously to approve phase 2 of remediation work at Kenowa after receiving a presentation that traced the site's issues to HVAC programming problems, moisture infiltration and previous maintenance practices.
Director Brian (Lieber) told the board the Environmental Resources Group (ERG) performed sampling and recommended steps including replacing damp ceiling tiles, cleaning surfaces with HEPA vacuums, installing HEPA air scrubbers during work, and replacing carpeting with hard or breathable flooring in staff areas. He said pools and certain mechanical systems previously allowed moisture to spread into occupied spaces and that some mechanical repairs are ongoing and expected to conclude in 2027.
Cost and scope: Brian presented a set of estimates for phase 2 including cleaning and repairs estimated at $250,000 with an added contingency of roughly $100,000; he described some line items (Lansing Tile $50,000 for flooring, $15,000 for ceiling tile, and $20,000 for supplies). Later in the meeting Superintendent Hood summarized the board request as an overall authorization of up to $400,000 with an anticipated funding plan of $300,000 from the general fund and $100,000 from the sinking fund. Brian told trustees he would return for further board approvals if additional issues were discovered.
Trustee concerns and board direction: Trustees asked whether the contingency amounts include the asterisked items and requested clearer cost timelines ahead of spring budget discussions. Trustees also asked about preventative measures; Brian and the district said the HVAC management system, new humidity sensors and revised summer cleaning schedules will provide earlier detection and automated responses to rising humidity, reducing the risk of recurring remediation needs.
How the board voted: The motion to approve phase 2 was amended on the floor to include the not-to-exceed $400,000 cap; the amendment passed and the final motion passed by roll call/voice vote 7'0'to''0.
Next steps: The district will begin phase 2 work under the approved authorization, continue ERG sampling as work progresses, and report back to the board if the scope or costs materially change.
