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Facilities update: MIP application for Brandy Wine, DHS grant delayed and plan to link alarms to 911
Summary
Facilities staff reported a MIP grant application for roofing and HVAC at Brandy Wine Elementary, said a Department of Homeland Security grant award exists but reimbursements are temporarily restricted by state-level controls, and recommended linking fire alarms to 911 at an initial cost plus a $2,000 annual fee to improve off-hours safety.
Travis, facilities staff, told the board the district submitted a Major Improvement Program (MIP) grant application for Brandy Wine Elementary to address roofing and HVAC replacement needs. He said the district also received a Department of Homeland Security grant intended to fund protective film for lower-level elementary windows and other security projects but that state-level spending restrictions have delayed reimbursement and implementation.
"That money is out there for us to spend, but we can't spend it yet," Travis said, summarizing conversations with state grant managers and noting uncertainty about when the lock on spending will be released. He said the protective film installation was planned but likely would not be completed this summer unless reimbursements clear.
Separately, administration proposed linking school fire alarms to 911 service to ensure off-hours incidents are promptly reported; the upgrade carries an initial implementation cost and an estimated $2,000 annual maintenance fee. The superintendent and legal counsel were consulted and staff recommended moving forward to improve safety.
The board was also updated on facility maintenance items: new stage curtains for North Fork Elementary may arrive soon, and several rotten light poles and fixtures at Brandy Wine will be removed in stages for safety once students are not present.
Board members requested continued updates on grant statuses and timelines and asked staff to coordinate installation scheduling with summer work windows if funds become available.
