Board delays $1.9M rooftop HVAC award amid consolidation and bid‑expiration concerns

Facilities director Scott McCullough told trustees the district received two bids for rooftop‐unit replacements at two schools and that the low bid would allow both base and additive alternates to be completed economically. He said the assets were more than 25 years old and replacement was urgent to avoid catastrophic failure. (speaker 25)

Trustees asked whether the district should delay awarding the contract while a consolidation decision that could change the schools’ future is finalized. "If we're consolidating over to Scarceli… I would be concerned about dumping a lot of money into a school that may or may not exist," Trustee Zinkie said, urging patience. (speaker 10)

McCullough and procurement staff warned vendors typically need 9–12 weeks lead time for this equipment and that bid prices are locked for roughly 30 days; delaying award risks losing the current price and scheduling advantages. Public commenters urged the board to accept the favorable bid. (speakers 25, 27)

After discussion of budget availability (CIP funds and planned transfers from debt service) and the 30‑day bid window, the board voted unanimously to move the rooftop unit award to the next special meeting so trustees could align the procurement decision with consolidation timing while preserving opportunity to expedite that special meeting within the bid window.

The board did not approve a contract at the meeting. Facilities staff said the vendor indicated willingness to extend bidding by a day and that procurement conditions, including accelerated schedules or pricing adjustments, would be negotiated in a contract.