Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hvac Contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
WESLACO ISD threatens surety-bond claim as Carrier delays HVAC retrofits at four schools
Summary
Trustees heard that Carrier Corporation missed key milestones on HVAC retrofits at Memorial, Airport, Northbridge and Quailar Middle, prompting the district's attorney to send breach notices and the district to initiate a surety-bond claim while temporary controls are installed to keep campuses operational.
WESLACO ISD trustees were told July 28 that Carrier Corporation has failed to make steady progress on HVAC retrofit work at four campuses, leading the district to begin a surety-bond claim process.
President Isidore Nieto opened the discussion as district staff summarized a timeline of interactions with Carrier: a May 13 notice of potential claim, a July 4 attorney letter from Destiny Gessing of Walsh Gallegos citing inadequate progress, and a subsequent Carrier response that proposed a three-phase plan. District presenters said Phase 1 (temporary temperature controls) is essentially complete, Phase 2 (mechanical pads, chillers and pumps) is projected through 2025, and Phase 3 — full completion of all four campuses — is now scheduled by carrier for August 2026. The district also reported it has not yet seen on-site work begin at two campuses and has installed temporary controls on VAVs and existing air handlers to keep schools operational.
Trustees pressed for details about the cause of the delays and oversight practices. One trustee asked, "Why are we not where we're supposed to be?" Administration pointed to project-lead turnover at Carrier and subcontractor failures as primary causes and said Carrier has replaced a mechanical subcontractor and is mobilizing additional firms. Carrier's on-site project lead identified himself and told the board, "They bit off more than they can chew," acknowledging earlier contractor shortcomings and promising a multi‑subcontractor approach to finish by August 2026. District officials said they are pursuing liquidated damages under the contract and will seek remedies through their attorney and the surety process if Carrier does not meet revised milestones.
The board members pressed for stronger district oversight going forward, including hiring or contracting a dedicated project manager or consultant to supervise construction activity and weekly reporting to the board. Multiple trustees described the situation as "frustrating" and urged the administration to enforce contractual remedies if performance does not improve.
The district said it will continue coordinating with Carrier, Trinity MEP and the district's construction consultant; next steps include field oversight, additional temporary measures to keep facilities usable for the school year and continued legal follow-up on liquidated damages and the surety claim.
