Board authorizes lease-purchase up to $10.43M to move forward on Jefferson school renovation after EI presentation

Jefferson Public Schools on Monday authorized district leaders to enter a lease‑purchase agreement not to exceed $10,433,946 to begin phased renovations at the district school after a presentation from EI, a design‑build firm that conducted an eight‑week building assessment.

EI vice president Terry Warren told the board the investigation found water intrusion feeding mold growth, failing HVAC components, exposed wiring above drop ceilings and aging building envelope systems in the school’s 1950s and 1990s wings. "If you don't see anything, it's a successful project," Warren said, describing the aim that the work be durable and largely invisible once complete.

The board heard detailed options and a three‑tier scoping approach. EI described a "must‑do" package that addresses perimeter drainage, foundation waterproofing, asbestos/mold abatement, new controls and dehumidification, window replacement and roof and siding repairs. The presentation gave two representative price buckets as EI narrowed scope from an initial, higher estimate (presented as about $12.4 million) down to options in the roughly $10–11 million range after rescopes and contractor pricing.

Board members spent substantial time discussing whether to include a full sprinkler system in phase one. EI outlined tradeoffs: adding sprinklers would likely require 60–90 days of additional permitting after engineering, substantial water storage and a large pump and generator, and could delay planned summer work. EI also warned that bringing sprinklers into the project now would increase cost and risk remobilization later. Several board members emphasized life‑safety benefits of sprinklers; others said the delay and cost would be significant.

Warren and EI urged the board to view the building as an integrated system, saying unresolved water intrusion will continue to degrade HVAC and envelope systems unless addressed comprehensively. EI also noted potential outside funding opportunities, including state revolving renovation funds that could award up to $2 million per building for eligible projects, and energy‑efficiency rebates that could offset some costs.

Following discussion, a board member moved and the board voted to authorize pursuit of a lease‑purchase financing agreement not to exceed $10,433,946 to sign phase‑one contracts and begin work under the scoped package presented. The board also approved delegating authority to a district representative to sign owner‑level contracts for the project and directed staff to pursue available grants and rebate programs. The vote was taken by voice; a formal tally was not specified in the transcript.

Next steps identified by staff include finalizing contract language and bid documents, submitting permit applications as needed, and applying for state renovation funds. The board scheduled follow‑up review of detailed contract amounts and contingency language as the district finalizes phase‑one procurement.

Why it matters: The work addresses conditions district staff and consultants linked to indoor‑air‑quality and building‑envelope failures that the presenters said have produced mold and humidity problems. The board’s decision commits the district to multi‑year capital work and to financing annualized debt service that EI estimated could be in the ballpark of the district’s planning numbers depending on final interest rates and scope.

The board gave John Harrell authority to sign contracts as the owner's representative for the project and approved delegation to Superintendent Bob Sanders to make necessary summer hires tied to project execution. The meeting moved to executive session to discuss personnel after the public portion concluded.