Board reviews six-year master plan; new high school timing pushed, solar array not yet energized
Summary
Board reviewed facility priorities including fire-alarm/HVAC replacements, roof work, district energy conservation project delays that left solar arrays unenergized, and moved the planned new high school to 2031 pending a local funding plan; board approved the six-year master plan.
Board members and administrators discussed the district’s six-year master plan, current capital priorities and the status of several construction and energy projects.
Administrators noted system-condition ratings led to priorities such as replacing fire-alarm systems, HVAC and primary electrical systems and planned roof replacements at the intermediate and Saint Paul campuses. The district said partnership funding applications were approved for some roof projects and that award amounts should be known in May; a separate middle-school roof application had been denied earlier for lack of supporting work-order documentation, which the district has since corrected and will reapply for.
The planned new Huntsville High School remains on the master plan but the district informed the board it had bumped the project timing back to 2031 from an earlier target because the district has not identified the local match (district materials estimated a local share of $30 million). Administrators said they informed the state partnership office that the district would reapply when it had a credible plan for the local share and applauded the decision as transparent and prudent.
The district energy conservation project described in the master-plan presentation is physically complete, but administrators said the solar arrays have not been energized because of unresolved issues between the contractor and Carroll Electric; that delay prevents the district from receiving projected energy returns until the issue is resolved and may require legal counsel.
Board members also received updates on an indoor practice facility that is substantially complete (minor exterior lettering and floor finishing remain) and on fields that will be ready for practice in spring but not for games until dugouts, bleachers and additional funding are secured. The board approved the six-year master plan after discussion; the transcript reflects board assent during the public-hearing item.
