Vendors recommend short‑term 'mission‑critical' plan: HVAC, envelope and targeted pre‑K work

Consultants from MP Planning and Studio Jade told the Facilities Operations Committee that the recommended short‑term path (Scenario A2) focuses on mission‑critical maintenance and stewardship: building envelope, electrical and HVAC systems, and installing air conditioning at elementary schools that lack it. "So our recommended short term plan aligns with scenario a 2 that was presented previously to you all, that maintains our existing facilities and takes that mission critical approach to maintenance and stewardship," Pat said during the presentation.

The team said Phase 1 schools for immediate implementation include Barlow Mountain and Ridgebury, both middle schools and the high school; the un‑escalated Phase 1 cost was presented as just under $56,000,000. Presenters framed that figure as a 5‑ to 7‑year focus on the most urgent needs and noted that these investments can be phased so the district retains optionality for longer‑term work. The committee signaled support for moving the recommendation to the full Board of Education for additional discussion and asked staff to provide clearer 5‑year spending projections and itemized mission‑critical vs. full‑renovation costs.