Board approves $267,970.95 contract to replace McGraw boiler, cites deferred maintenance and heating risk

The Poudre School District Board approved expenditures of $267,970.95 and authorized staff to execute a contract with Reliant Mechanical Services to replace a boiler at McGraw Elementary.

CFO Dave Montoya told the board the existing boiler was installed in 1992 and was identified as deferred maintenance in prior facility-condition assessments. "This boiler was installed in 1992, so it's about 34 years old," Montoya said, noting the replacement is planned for summer 2026 and funded by the district’s Debt-Free Mill Levy Override.

Montoya explained that schools are designed with redundant heating systems, but running on a single boiler for an extended period "puts that redundant system under strain" and could, in the worst case, require closing the school if the backup fails during the school year. The project was presented as necessary to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for students and staff.

Board members asked technical questions (for example, clarifying that "redundant" means a backup boiler) and discussed typical boiler life spans; staff said 30 years is a reasonable service life for the system in question. The motion to approve the contract passed by roll-call vote recorded as 7–0.

Implementation: Staff indicated the work will be completed over summer 2026 to minimize disruption; funding source listed as the Debt-Free Mill Levy Override.

Documents: The authorization includes a specified contract amount ($267,970.95) and was presented with facility-condition assessment references and project timing.