Burlington board approves bid process to relocate James Madison boilers to high school

The Burlington Community School District board voted Feb. 23, 2026 to approve an architect/agreement to solicit bids for relocating boilers from James Madison to the high school.

District staff explained the boilers were installed at James Madison roughly eight years ago and were sized with the expectation they might be relocated later. An earlier estimate for full replacement at the high school had been about $750,000, but staff recommended pursuing relocation of the existing boilers before demolition of James Madison. Staff estimated moving the boilers could cost approximately $250,000–$300,000 and said the high school could save an estimated $3,800 per month in utility costs after relocation.

Board members clarified that tonight’s action authorized going out for bids and did not approve construction or guarantee the project will proceed; the board will evaluate bids and project estimates before any final commitment. A motion to approve the relocation agreement was moved and seconded and recorded as passing.

District staff said they had consulted boiler specialists to review energy-efficiency assumptions and that moving existing units appeared cheaper than buying new boilers for the high school. The board did not set a final project budget; staff will return with bids and more detailed cost information before construction decisions are made.