Board approves emergency repairs at Westview after corroded HVAC pipes; business manager urges broader building review

The Muncie Community Schools board approved emergency repairs at Westview after corroded two-pipe HVAC lines began leaking, disrupting ceilings and classroom areas. Brad Jerome, the district's business manager, said he authorized purchase orders on an emergency basis not to exceed $400,000 and that the work looks to total about $280,000 based on vendor estimates.

"I signed POs not to exceed 400,000," Jerome told the board, saying subcontractors completed a rapid repair that allowed students to occupy classrooms on Aug. 7 without operational disruption. Jerome described a coordinated effort among multiple subcontractors who replaced about 400 feet of piping, handled electrical and ceiling repairs and got the building ready for the first day of school.

Board members thanked staff and contractors for the quick response and asked whether the district has inspected other buildings for similar corroded piping. Jerome said they have not done that level of assessment across all buildings and that, in his experience, such issues are often discovered when visible leaks occur. Board members discussed the value of a sequenced preventive-maintenance plan and agreed to pursue additional building assessments.

The board moved and approved the emergency repair request by voice vote. Members noted the repairs were necessary to preserve safety and avoid more extensive disruption if the pipes had failed completely.

The business manager also provided an update on broader capital planning and bus-replacement work embedded in the operation fund and said some purchases have been delayed because of supply constraints; the district has purchased two used activity buses while remaining on the list for new vehicles.