Board tables generator replacement and delays RFP for construction oversight

The Scranton School Board on May 6 voted to table a proposed change order to replace an emergency generator at West Scranton Intermediate while staff pursue a teardown and repair assessment and investigate insurance coverage.

Administration said the existing generator was installed in 1974 and may be 50 years old, and the mechanics who will perform a teardown warned the unit might not run after disassembly. The contractor told the board a new generator would have an 8–12 week lead time if approved. Director Casey and others pressed to seek repair options and to advertise the work publicly; Director Borthwick and operations staff said the board already obtained cooperative‑purchase pricing and had tried to seek other bids.

The motion to table passed 5–3. While the item is paused, staff committed to have mechanical services perform an on‑site teardown and to consult with the district's insurer; they were also asked to explore whether the rental generator the district now uses could be purchased at the end of the rental term or if a rent‑to‑own option exists. Board members emphasized the need for clearer documentation of prior repair attempts and a preventative‑maintenance plan going forward.

Separately, the board debated whether to solicit an RFP for an architect/engineer of record and a separate clerk of the works (construction manager). Several directors argued that separating construction management from architectural duties provides an independent advocate to control costs and reduce conflicts; others said the superintendent and staff need time to draft a detailed RFP and to estimate administrative and legal expenses for the solicitation. The board voted 7–1 to table the RFP item to the next meeting to allow staff to return with draft specifications, cost/structure options (contracted vs. full‑time) and case law or procurement guidance.

Next steps: administration will schedule the teardown visit, pursue the insurance claim and return with repair vs. replace findings. The superintendent and operations staff will prepare a draft RFP or options memo for board review at the next work session.