Board reviews MAES boiler replacement proposal, seeks direction on timing and scope

The Minnewaska Area Schools Board of Education reviewed a proposal for a boiler replacement at Minnewaska Area Elementary School and related hydronic-system work during its May 18, 2026 meeting. The Facilities Committee — Director A. Reichmann, Director C. Barsness and Director G. Moeller — presented vendor proposals showing a boiler replacement cost of $66,860 with additional work priced at $4,040 and an estimated CenterPoint Utilities rebate of $10,500. Administration also provided an Agassiz Chemical & Equipment estimate of $28,860 for glycol/system treatment and $5,990 for disposal services.

Board members discussed timing and procurement considerations after staff noted a Lochinvar boiler price increase effective June 1, 2026, and cautioned that additional legal review could delay contracting. Administration stated that current understanding is project funding would remain available provided the project begins after July 1, 2026. The Facilities Committee requested board direction on scope (including optional side-stream filter/canister and a complete hydronic system clean and flush), procurement steps, and whether to proceed before or after the vendor price change. No formal motion to award the project was recorded in the minutes.