Board hears $1.1M HVAC deferred-maintenance tally; approves FEMA-funded Stafford Middle School repairs

The board received a detailed facilities and operations briefing focused on HVAC equipment ages, deferred maintenance and replacement needs. Director of operations Mr. Jerkins presented an inventory showing multiple chillers and water towers beyond typical 15-year lifecycles and a campus-wide list of priority HVAC items. He said the HVAC-only deferred-maintenance bottom line is approximately $1,102,760 and that annual preventive-maintenance (PM) work for all equipment was quoted at about $211,000 per year.

Trustees discussed funding options: bond funding, assigned fund balance, and restoring a multi-year maintenance allocation in the district budget. The CFO reported the maintenance note balance and how proposed FEMA reimbursements would flow. Separately, the board approved a job-order contracting delivery method for Stafford Middle School roof and interior repairs related to Hurricane Burrow damages; the obligated project cost is about $880,000 with FEMA expected to reimburse 75% (~$660,000) and the district's net share estimated at roughly $220,000 to be funded from the maintenance note. The board voted 7–0 to proceed with the contracting method while staff pursue at least three quotes and required FEMA documentation.

The ECC chiller replacement was discussed as an additional urgent priority; staff estimated replacement at roughly $245,000–$250,000 and trustees asked legal counsel and staff to review vendor quotes before the next meeting so the item can be brought back for a final vote.