Board asks for cost differentials after architects find exterior sheathing issues on high‑school facade

Timberlane administrators and the facilities committee reported on recent core samples taken from the high‑school façade that revealed exterior drywall sheathing beneath the existing veneer and felt paper. Architects and the district’s lease/construction advisor raised concerns about warranty and long‑term performance if the district were to simply overlay a new cladding rather than remove and replace the sub‑sheathing with modern materials and proper vapor barriers.

Superintendent and facilities staff described two options for the board: (1) an overlay approach that adds cladding over existing surfaces (lower cost but warranty and longevity concerns), or (2) a full removal and rebuild with appropriate sheathing, vapor barrier and aluminum cladding intended for a 40‑year life. Board members and facilities representatives emphasized the trade‑offs between upfront cost and lifecycle performance; the architects will return with detailed, proportional pricing and the committee’s recommendation on April 14.

Board members asked about who would own long‑term performance risk and how to ensure the installation and warranty hold up over decades; administrators said they will include warranty implications, differential costs and life‑cycle considerations in the facilities committee’s next report. The board requested the facilities committee present the cost differentials and make the façade decision a full agenda item after the April meeting.