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Board approves elevator modernizations at Arroyo del Norte and Taos High after parts become obsolete
Summary
The board approved two state‑contract modernization projects—about $103,600.59 each—to replace obsolete elevator electronics and many mechanical components at Arroyo del Norte Elementary and Taos High School; work is scheduled for summer to restore accessibility.
The Taos Municipal Schools board on March 11 approved two state‑contract bids to modernize inoperable elevator equipment at Arroyo del Norte Elementary and Taos High School after maintenance staff reported parts for the existing elevators are no longer available.
Maintenance supervisor Alipio Mondragon presented the proposals and said both elevators are decades old and that manufacturers no longer supply the necessary control boards and electrical parts. "The modernization ... consists of replacing all the electronics, and most of the mechanical portion of these elevators," Mondragon said. He told the board the carriage, doors and hoist will be retained while control systems and many components are replaced, and he estimated the work should extend service life by 30–40 years with proper maintenance.
Costs and procurement: Each modernization proposal is for about $103,600.59 and uses a state purchasing agreement included in the board packet. Mondragon and the superintendent recommended summer construction so elevators are operational when school resumes in August.
Board action: The board approved the Arroyo del Norte modernization and then approved the Taos High modernization after a member requested a correction to an address on the Taos High proposal form. Both motions passed on roll call. The board noted the projects are capital expenditures and that fund sources and account assignments will be handled consistent with capital outlay rules.
Accessibility note: Board members noted the urgency because students and staff rely on functioning elevators to access classrooms and offices; one board member referenced a recent incident in which a person became stuck in an elevator.
Next steps: District staff will finalize contract paperwork through the state purchasing agreement, schedule the summer work and provide corrected proposal documents where needed.
(Reporting based on a March 11 presentation by maintenance supervisor Alipio Mondragon to the Taos Municipal Schools board.)
