School board approves LTFM-funded repairs at Olivia and Bird Island campuses

The school board voted July 9 to authorize three facility repairs using Long-Term Facility Maintenance (LTFM) funds and health-and-safety levy dollars, actions board leaders said are intended to prevent moisture damage and keep buildings safe for students and staff.

The first vote authorized use of LTFM funds to replace the boiler condensate tank at Olivia School. The chair explained the rationale, saying the small condensate tank “creates a lot of steam in the hallways” and forces the district to add untreated city water into the boiler system, which “can cause corrosion.” Board members noted the lowest vetted contractor quote was markedly lower than an earlier estimate. The motion was moved and seconded and carried on a roll-call vote; Member Benson was recorded as absent for that vote.

The second approved measure covers roughly 350 feet of steam piping in Olivia’s elementary wing and sprinkler lines at the Bird Island garage. Board discussion said the work addresses multiple leaks this year and is part of a phased, multi-year plan: “This is the most critical portion that needs to be done,” a committee member said. The board recorded ayes in roll call and motioned to proceed; Member Vinson was noted as absent during that item.

Finally, the board approved replacing the Olivia large gym floor, using LTFM dollars for the floor work and health-and-safety/levy dollars to cover asbestos abatement. District staff presented estimated abatement costs between $120,500 and $133,500, an installation minimum of $119,704 and an estimated $8,000 to move the bleachers. The chair cautioned that floor-leveling is an unknown that could add costs: “They have no way of knowing that until they get in there,” the chair said, and board members discussed donor- or booster-funded optional items such as a pole-vault insert and larger floor graphics.

Board members said their review of LTFM balances and projections left the fund in a “solid” position even after the proposed expenditures. One committee member said the district projects approximately $260,000 in LTFM receipts next year. Discussion also noted that some optional upgrades would be funded through boosters or donations and not from the district’s maintenance budget.

Each item was moved, seconded, and approved by roll call. The chair closed the special meeting at 7:01 p.m. and reviewed upcoming calendar items, including a possible July 27 work session and the regular Aug. 24 board meeting.

What happens next: contractors will be scheduled for work before the start of the 2026 school year where feasible, abatement contractors will confirm timelines and any additional costs, and boosters will be contacted to finalize donations for optional upgrades.