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Spring ISD ratifies $435,812 emergency electrical repairs at Teachup Learning Center after major feeder failure
Summary
After smoke and flames were found at an electrical junction at Teachup Learning Center in early June, the board ratified emergency repairs totaling $435,812; administration filed an insurance claim and restored power before the meeting.
The Spring Independent School District Board of Trustees on June 23 ratified emergency electrical repairs at Teachup Learning Center, approving a purchase order of $435,812 to Steward Builders to restore the building’s electrical service.
General Manager of Operations Gary Hutton described an incident that occurred the night of June 2 and into June 3 when smoke detectors alerted staff and first responders discovered flames at an electrical junction. Hutton said four 800-amp copper feeders feeding the building were melted — evidence that temperatures had been high enough to melt copper — and that the building’s main electrical panel and an adjacent transformer required replacement.
"I can't say that lightning caused this because I haven't got a determination yet. But it's highly likely there was a lightning strike on the weather head where the electrical service comes off the CenterPoint pole line," Hutton told trustees. The district engaged emergency crews and used bond funds to complete the repairs so the building could reopen; administration has submitted an insurance claim for reimbursement and will return when the insurer determines coverage and deductible amounts.
Because the repairs were time-sensitive and required digging, conduit replacement and heavy labor, administration used a preexisting job-order contract and authorized the work immediately, then requested ratification from the board. Trustees ratified the emergency purchase order unanimously.
Hutton said CenterPoint Energy pulled the meter initially and district teams coordinated restoration work; administration confirmed that restoration was completed prior to the board meeting. Trustees asked about whether lightning-protection systems are appropriate for district buildings and were told protection is installed at some high-vulnerability sites (for example stadiums) but that this event appears to have occurred on the primary service outside the building.
The board ratified the $435,812 emergency purchase order and administration said insurance reimbursement would be processed once the insurer completes its review.
