District reports ESSER and bond project progress; generators delivered, mechanical work near completion

Facilities and operations staff gave trustees an update tying together ESSER investments, sinking fund planning and remaining bond work. Dave and other staff summarized ESSER‑funded mechanical projects: Manor Elementary mechanical work totaled about $2,425,000; Waterloo work was reported at roughly $1.6 million; Raisinville at about $3.1 million. Staff said those ESSER projects reduced the need to use bond dollars for some mechanical upgrades.

Dave and project staff reported long‑delayed generators for Custer 1 and 2 have been delivered and that electrical work and transfer switches are being completed. The bleacher replacement project is largely finished with minor cosmetic and structural punch‑list items remaining. Staff also said they are developing multiple design/price options with consultants (Kohler, Kleinfelder) for HVAC and other major building upgrades; several options exceed $1,000,000 and could require partial evacuation of buildings for six to eight weeks. Trustees asked about sinking fund capacity and whether additional grant applications would be pursued; staff said they applied for a $3 million grant (not $6 million) and will continue pursuing state grant opportunities and use sinking‑fund balances as matches if appropriate.

No final construction votes were held tonight beyond the previously announced Waterloo bond item; staff said they will return with detailed cost estimates, per‑room maintenance/custodial cost breakdowns and recommended next steps in upcoming briefs.