Trustees press for project managers, split contracts after HVAC setbacks

Trustees said July 28 they want clearer, enforceable oversight on large construction projects after the HVAC retrofit work at multiple campuses fell behind schedule.

Several trustees said the district should have required more frequent on-site reporting and a dedicated external project manager rather than relying on internal staff. Trustee Ben Castillo called the program "very frustrating and very disappointing," saying students at Memorial, Airport and North Bridge "deserve better." Several trustees recommended that future large projects be awarded in smaller lots or use a design-build approach to reduce risk and accelerate delivery.

Trustees also discussed how subcontractor selection and changes affected the schedule and whether the district should exercise rights to review or reject subcontractor lists. As one trustee put it during the discussion, the district must "sit them at the podium" and demand accountability when work stalls. Administration agreed to present options — including potential rebidding, deeper subcontractor vetting and hiring or contracting a dedicated project manager — at a future meeting.

No vote was taken; the board asked administration to return with concrete options and estimated costs for increased oversight and alternative contracting approaches. The board asked that contractor status and key milestones be included in weekly written reports to the trustees.