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Board hears $1.3M elevator replacement plan for senior high, to be voted Feb. 18
Summary
Quando Energy Solutions briefed the board on replacing an aging senior‑high elevator with a larger, machine‑roomless unit accessible to stretchers; the presentation estimated installation at about $1.3M, noted structural demo needs and said staff will seek ADA infrastructure grant funding alongside bond money; the board will consider a GESA amendment at the Feb. 18 voting meeting.
Representatives from Quando Energy Solutions (Sherry Lara Savage, director of business development, and Sean Nicholson, director of project development) presented a recommended elevator installation at the senior high school and described why replacement is preferable to ongoing repairs. Nicholson said the existing elevator is older, increasingly difficult to repair because parts must be custom manufactured and too small to accommodate modern stretchers used by emergency services. He recommended placing a new elevator in a nearby stairwell adjacent to the gym to minimize structural work and egress impacts.
The proposed scope includes demolishing the second‑floor landing and associated stairs, excavating a pit, building CMU shaft walls and installing a machine‑roomless elevator with battery backup for emergency lowering and card‑reader access tied to existing security. "This is a machine‑roomless elevator," Nicholson said, adding that it will include a phone for call‑outs and fire service operation. The presenter estimated the construction cost around $1,300,000 for installation (not including any future demolition or repurposing of the old elevator). Board members discussed other cost estimates heard previously (ranging as high as $1.6–$2.0M) and observed the project could be partially funded by a state infrastructure ADA grant; staff said they would apply under the ADA portion of the grant and ask for an emergency clause to accelerate award timing if appropriate.
District staff noted the money for the project is in previously issued bond proceeds but emphasized that if a grant is awarded, bond funds could be shifted to other bond‑eligible projects. Mobilization was described to begin after school is out, with the existing elevator remaining functional during construction. The facilities committee indicated it will advertise the GESA amendment for the Feb. 18 voting meeting and present final quotes for solicitor review beforehand.
The committee did not take a final vote; the board will consider approval of the GESA amendment and any related contract language at the Feb. 18 voting meeting.
