Board hears facility updates: roof patches, pump repairs and lower-cost insulation option for blue building discussed

Josh, a district facilities presenter, told the board that two prioritized summer projects — a gas-line repair at Morfield High School and a circulation pump repair at East Hardy Elementary — have been completed and are producing expected results, including faster hot-water recovery at East Hardy. Josh said custodial and transportation summer work is on schedule and that quotes are available to buy two conventional buses pending approval.

The board discussed the district's blue building (referred to in the transcript as the "MEES/blue building") where an insulation and metal-work package was under review. Josh said one insulation quote was about $49,000 and that completing the metal work plus insulation could total roughly $80,000–$85,000. A contractor noted that spray-foam insulation behaves differently than conventional insulation and that, because spray foam seals air infiltration, the same R-value may not be required. After the contractor's input, Josh reported an alternate spray-foam package in the paperwork that would bring the cost down and suggested a possible $15,000 option compared with larger $50,000 estimates for a full conventional package. Staff emphasized they were not in position to recommend spending large sums until the year-end budget position is clear.

Board members also raised utility concerns after noting a water bill around $2,200 for East Hardy and asked staff to identify which meters service which fields and buildings. Staff said they would investigate and report back with the meter allocations and any contributing incidents (the transcript references a fire-department water use that inflated consumption).

No formal capital appropriation was approved; members agreed to revisit the blue building recommendation in August after additional quotes and budget review.