Committee backs $400,000 electrical‑panel replacement package, hears facilities updates

The Manitowoc School District facilities and finance committee voted on April 2 to forward to the full board a recommendation to contract Suburban Electric to complete infrared scanning and replace main electrical panels in district buildings, a package staff said is just under $400,000.

Michael, the district facilities lead, told the committee that insurance walk‑throughs and code expectations have made panel condition and infrared scanning a priority. He said some panels showed exposed wiring and other age‑related issues and that the insurance company now requires infrared scanning with documentation and labeling of panels.

Michael said vendor availability limited bidding; Suburban Electric was the only firm able to provide a responsive bid for the package. He told the committee the district plans to purchase materials directly to avoid market markups and that funding will come from previously planned referendum dollars and prior project planning. “The total package is just under $400,000 to redo this,” Michael said.

Committee members agreed the investment may improve the district’s insurance position and reduce fire risk from aging equipment; because the project exceeds $100,000, the committee moved to forward the recommendation to the full board for formal approval. The committee approved the motion by voice to send the recommendation forward.

Earlier in the meeting Michael also provided a facilities update: drywall is installed in the baseball concession building, temporary bleachers are in place, and bathrooms are expected to be operational by April 24. He noted that CJ Schmidt will provide a prioritized list and pricing by late April. Michael closed by thanking custodial staff for volunteer work cleaning and readying the School Forest for a state recognition event next year.