Annandale board details $4.635 million bond presale for high-school chiller; summer work planned

The Annandale Public School District board on Monday reviewed plans to presell bonds to fund a new chiller and dehumidification system at the high school, with proposals expected in May and a bond closing planned for early June.

Board members were given an estimated project amount of $4.635 million and a projected eight-year term; staff emphasized that those amounts and terms are preliminary and subject to final bids. Officials said proposals for the mechanical work will be received in May and construction is timed to minimize classroom disruption by putting much of the work outside and on top of the gym before school resumes.

Officials said some short-term inconveniences are expected: the boys locker room will be out of commission for a period, and drop-off and parking patterns behind the high school, near the tennis courts, will be adjusted while crews work. Staff said contractors agreed not to work on the day of graduation and that main equipment pads and ductwork work will be located on the gym roof and adjacent exterior areas.

The board also reviewed the newly completed track. Staff reported a final walk-through with contractors and consultants and noted only minor punch-list items and landscaping remain; erosion netting and reseeding will be addressed before full use. Coaches and custodial staff devised temporary spectator paths over mats to protect recently seeded turf until grass establishes.

The facilities presentation drew routine operational questions about scheduling and access for community programs and athletics; staff said community education and athletics leaders have been included in planning. No formal action was required at the meeting; staff will return with formal bond documents and final bid figures as they become available.