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District flags Whitman water intrusion and West High electrical as urgent capital priorities amid limited Fund‑41 balance
Summary
Committee heard updates on a planned intrusive investigation for Whitman lower‑level water intrusion (investigation NTE $7,500) and an urgent West High electrical replacement with a rough cost estimate of $500,000–$1 million. Staff reviewed fund‑41 balances and options (fund‑41 vs. fund‑46) and asked the committee to prioritize design and cost estimates for board consideration.
Facilities staff told the Finance & Resource Committee that several building issues need near‑term attention and that available capital dollars are limited.
Whitman lower‑level rooms have experienced long‑running water intrusion that worsened after heavy rains. Consultants (Harwood Engineering, Zimmerman Architects and consultant Findorf) will perform additional analysis, including a slab saw cut in the orchestra room, to determine a permanent repair. Zimmerman/Harwood provided a not‑to‑exceed proposal for the investigative work in the $7,500 range; staff said they will return with estimated repair costs and an agenda item for July.
Separately, an assessment of West High’s electrical service found the incoming switchgear and primary service are past useful life, manufacturer support ceased decades ago, and the building’s generator is degraded and leaking oil. Facilities staff characterized the risk as high for failure and potential smoke or fire damage and recommended the district not defer replacement. Initial rough order‑of‑magnitude estimates ranged from about $500,000 to $1 million. Staff recommended engaging designers and a construction manager now to plan for summer 2027 construction given lead times.
On capital funding, staff reviewed fund‑41 starting balances (~$1.66M) and known near‑term commitments (Center Street driveway ~$105,000; stormwater inspection and repairs ~$85,000), leaving roughly $447,000 before Whitman and West commitments. Staff explained fund‑46 as an alternative that can reduce the district’s share for state aid calculations but cautioned that once funded it is restricted for five years. Committee discussion focused on whether to place year‑end surplus into a designated capital fund and how to sequence designer engagement and approvals so that time‑sensitive repair work can proceed.
Next steps: staff will seek design proposals and tighter scopes/cost estimates for West electrical; return to the committee and board with Whitman repair recommendations and costs in July; and present options for designating year‑end surplus into fund‑41 and a possible fund‑46 initiation.
