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Board hears $100,000 estimate to replace high-school AC, addresses bus-driver shortage and safety signage
Summary
At the RSU 35/MSAD 35 meeting the finance and facilities report flagged a failing high-school AC unit with replacement estimates near $100,000 (or ~$83–84k for a mini-split), announced completion of a CES portable classroom, and discussed eliminating an elementary bus run amid driver shortages and short-term traffic-slowing signage options.
The RSU 35/MSAD 35 board during its regular meeting reviewed several facilities and transportation issues that will affect near-term budgeting and operations.
In the finance and facilities report, committee members said a front-office air-conditioning unit at the high school is failing and uses a refrigerant that is no longer permitted. Two vendor estimates were presented: a chilled-water-condenser replacement at about $100,000 and a mini-split option in the low-$80,000s. The board did not approve a contract at the meeting and members said the district will plan timing and budgeting discussions after the new year.
Committee members also reported that a portable classroom at CES is complete and in use and that multiple exterior doors at district schools have been repaired or scheduled for replacement. The FNF report noted a strong cash position (more than $1 million in general cash) and that Title I and other federal grant payments are expected to arrive as budgeted.
On transportation, Ryan (staff member) said the district is near its practical limit for bus drivers and has combined routes to eliminate one elementary run (bus 10) to reduce operational strain; PM route times improved from roughly 78–80 minutes to approximately 64–70 minutes after adjustments. The district has extended an offer to a CDL-qualified candidate with an estimated December 1 start date and hopes to improve driver availability by year end.
Board members and staff also discussed short-term traffic-safety measures near the high school. With a major traffic-light project not expected until 2027, the board discussed programming the district's new digital sign to display speed or safety messages and seeking quotes (committee estimated around $6,000 each) for radar speed/school-zone signs that could be reused at other schools.
No final financial commitments for the AC or signage were approved at the meeting; those items will return for formal budget consideration.
