Board approves rooftop HVAC and firewall replacement, reviews electric‑bus planning

Madison District Public Schools moved forward on multiple facilities and infrastructure items at its meeting, approving planned replacements and hearing an update on electric‑bus and charging‑station planning.

The board approved a recommendation to replace rooftop HVAC units (RTUs) at Wilkinson Middle School through Griffin International LLC; the district said the manufacturer can provide a one‑for‑one replacement that fits existing curbs, avoiding costly roof or structural modifications. The administration presented a cost of $250,000 to be paid from sinking funds and said some units had been failing during the school year — one unit was described as "completely out," which administrators said could force classroom relocations or closures if not addressed. Trustees voted by roll call (Carlos Harp yes; Mary Harp yes; Cindy Holder yes; Mark Kimble yes; Gloria Thompson yes).

Trustees also approved replacement of the district network firewall, a cybersecurity appliance described as end‑of‑life. The purchase was presented through the Oakland Schools cooperative bidding process to leverage competitive pricing and an estimated E‑rate reimbursement; the total amount recorded was $67,593 with an estimated reimbursement noted in the record. Trustees approved the purchase.

On transportation, administration said a contract package for electric buses had been circulated to trustees and that an architect recommended by the district attorney will present at a future meeting about the build‑out for charging stations and a depot behind the high school. No purchase vote on buses or charging‑station construction was taken at this meeting.

Trustees asked questions about funding sources and urgency. Administration said the rooftop HVAC work is time‑sensitive to avoid forced school closures and that financing would come from sinking funds or bond funds as appropriate.