Board approves consent-agenda addendum after debating emergency repairs for high-school heating system
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Summary
Administrators described antiquated controls and failing F&T traps that are allowing steam back into the boiler room; they proposed emergency repairs estimated at about $150,000 for traps plus local controls. The board approved a consent-agenda addendum that included the emergency work and required administration to return if costs exceed $250,000.
Administrators told the board the high school has ongoing heating issues tied to antiquated building-management controls and sticking F&T (float & trap) devices that allow steam back into the boiler room and prevent the boilers from running at full capacity safely. While two new boilers were installed in a prior project, parts of the building remain on older Siemens controls that are not fully integrated with new components.
Facilities staff explained the proposed emergency work is a targeted repair to address traps and local controls rather than replacement of the entire heating system. Administration estimated the F&T-trap repairs at approximately $150,000 and said local controls addressing individual rooms would be roughly $5,000 per room; work would be prioritized for spaces most affected.
A board member raised concerns about using a noncompetitive waiver (an expedited procurement path) and asked for clearer oversight and a spending cap. Administration said seeking a competitive bid would delay repairs into February and increase operational risk; the board and administrators agreed the district would return to the board if total costs exceed $250,000.
Later in the meeting the board voted to add a business-office consent-agenda addendum (received that day) and subsequently approved an amended consent agenda (categories 8–12) by voice vote; the meeting did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript. A separate amendment to the district superintendent employment agreement was discussed for tabling so stakeholders could review its details.
Administrators said the emergency repairs will include certified payroll for all work performed and will focus on rooms and systems most immediately affecting student comfort and safety. The administration asked for authorization to proceed under the emergency provision but committed to returning to the board if the cost estimate grows beyond the agreed threshold.