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Board credits unused ESSER allowances, accepts Hanna ECHS HVAC as substantially complete
Summary
Trustees approved change orders returning unused allowances (including $50,000 on Perkins MS) and authorized CSP #23-178 Hanna ECHS HVAC Upgrades Group II as substantially complete; administration said a five-percent retainage remains and contractor one-year warranty begins at substantial completion.
The board approved multiple construction actions on Oct. 1 related to ESSER-funded HVAC projects. Construction Administrator Manuel Hinojosa said engineers and contractors identified work that was not needed and returned allowances, including a $50,000 credit for CSP #23-154A Perkins Middle School HVAC upgrades. Trustees approved the Perkins allowance credit by a 6-1 vote with Trustee Carlos Elizondo opposed.
The board also authorized CSP #23-178 Hanna ECHS HVAC Upgrades Group II as substantially complete, with Hinojosa noting final tests, balancing and commissioning remain as part of punch-list work and a five-percent retainage will be withheld until final completion. Trustee Frank Ortiz asked when warranties begin; Hinojosa replied the contractor’s one-year warranty begins at substantial completion. The board unanimously approved the substantial-completion declaration.
CFO Alejandro Cespedes explained that ESSER III grant expiration and TEA rules limit re-obligation of unused ESSER funds; staff plan to reclassify allowable salary costs to maximize drawdown during the liquidation window. Trustee Elizondo pressed for clarity on whether returned funds would be used for other campus HVAC needs; staff said many outstanding HVAC needs remain but unused ESSER funds may not be available for new obligations after the grant deadline.
