The district’s buildings and grounds committee recommended approving a cooperative‑purchase contract of $2,788,129 to replace aging rooftop cooling equipment at Heinemann Middle School.

Facilities staff said the existing HVAC units use R‑22 refrigerant — phased out and now costly and difficult to source — and recommended installation of a modern variable‑refrigerant‑flow (VRF) system. Staff noted similar work at Marlowe two years ago and said the newer equipment is more energy efficient, can provide both heating and cooling, and would reduce operational and maintenance costs long‑term.

The request followed a competitive solicitation to multiple vendors; the district received two proposals and recommends awarding the project using cooperative purchasing pricing. Facilities leaders said the Heinemann project will represent the majority of next summer’s capital budget, with only limited funds remaining for other projects.

Board members and staff discussed timing and vendor performance; facilities staff said a prior VRF installation at Marlowe had performed well and that lightning had caused an isolated control‑system outage which local technicians corrected within 24 hours. Staff emphasized that HVAC component costs have increased substantially in recent years and that delaying the project risks higher future costs.

Why it matters: Replacing obsolete equipment that relies on discontinued refrigerant is an urgent facilities need with significant budget implications; the chosen technology will affect energy use and building comfort.

What’s next: Administration will bring a formal contract award to the board for approval; the project is expected to proceed next summer and will require coordination with other capital priorities.