Kutztown Area SD board approves $4.77 million guaranteed‑savings contract to replace middle‑school HVAC and upgrade network

The Kutztown Area School District board voted to approve a guaranteed energy savings agreement (GESA) for HVAC and network engine upgrades at Kutztown Area Middle School, with a total project cost listed as $4,773,298.

The administration recommended the contract for items labeled 1 and 1a on the agenda, describing that the scope covers middle‑school HVAC updates and associated network upgrades. The board motion to approve was moved and seconded and advanced to a roll‑call vote.

During discussion a trustee raised financial concerns about using money currently invested from an earlier bond rather than borrowing new funds, saying withdrawing those bond funds now could harm the district’s longer‑term finances. The administration responded that a planned restructuring of the $15 million bond package is scheduled for the summer and that the board will consider granting authority at the May 5 meeting to the district’s representative (named in the discussion) to proceed with next steps.

The roll call yielded a majority in favor; one trustee recorded a no vote and the motion carried. The board did not specify a separate timeline for construction in the public discussion beyond noting the contract and the forthcoming May agenda item to formalize next steps.

The approval authorizes the district to proceed with the procurement and contractor engagement necessary to implement the GESA. Board materials attached to the agenda listed detailed project items and the total cost; the vote does not itself amend the budget beyond approving the agreement and related contracting authority.