Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Board approves 2026 bond project scope including HVAC, roof and solar; staff says measures will cut about $100,000 a year
Loading...
Summary
The West Washington School Board approved the scope for a roughly $4.3 million 2026 bond project to replace HVAC units, install a reflective roof, add a downsized solar array to maximize the ITC, and perform asphalt and drainage work; staff estimated about $100,000 in annual utility savings and an ITC return of about $600,000–$700,000.
The West Washington School Board voted April 20 to approve the scope of its 2026 bond project, a package of HVAC, roof, solar and site work staff said will reduce operating costs and capture federal and state investment tax credits.
Presenter Ryan told the board the work includes replacement of roughly 30 HVAC units (with some units converted to natural gas), resurfacing and drainage work behind the building, and a white TPO high‑reflectivity roof designed to improve energy performance and support rooftop solar. He said the solar array was deliberately downsized to "maximize the ITC" while still increasing energy savings.
Ryan presented estimated savings and payback figures: "about a $100,000 of savings annually for the school district," and roughly $600,000–$700,000 returning through the investment tax credit that "will be coming back to you guys directly," he said. He reported an all‑in cost analysis around $4.3 million and said the district's borrowing capacity was about $5,000,000. The board discussed priorities and the potential to reallocate savings into other projects such as furniture replacement and a softball press box.
The proposed schedule presented to the board assumed board approval for a late‑May start on roof and solar work, with HVAC equipment procurement beginning in June or July and work completed before the 2026–27 school year.
Board members moved and seconded a motion to approve the scope; the motion carried on a voice vote.
Next steps: with scope approved, staff will proceed with contracting and scheduling under the bond issuance plan presented to the board.
