HONEOYE school board authorizes up to $550,000 emergency HVAC replacement for auditorium

The Honeoye Central School District Board of Education on Oct. 25 authorized an emergency capital project — not to exceed $550,000 — to replace the auditorium heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning system after multiple equipment failures discovered this summer.

Superintendent Fluke turned the meeting over to business official Mike Bastian, who told the board BOCES and mechanical engineers found compressor and fan motor failures, refrigerant line leaks and electrical damage likely worsened by recent summer storms. Bastian said the existing unit is about 24–25 years old and that engineers recommended full system replacement, including a new air handler, chiller, fluid lines and added electrical protections.

"What needs to happen is you need a whole new system," Bastian said, describing repeated visits by BOCES and escalating findings. Bastian said the district initially sought a one‑year NYSED emergency aid designation but NYSED declined to classify it as a one‑year emergency; the board may declare a local emergency project and pursue building aid returned over a 15‑year schedule.

The resolution authorizes the district to proceed immediately, to use state‑approved contractors where applicable and to submit required project paperwork to NYSED after construction. The administration proposed funding the up‑front cost from the district's 4% unassigned fund balance and later receiving building aid at an estimated 64 percent of eligible costs spread over 15 years.

Board members emphasized the auditorium’s role for district and community events, and noted the space can serve as a cooled shelter for residents during heat waves. Board member Nate Schneckenberger seconded the motion to adopt the emergency resolution; the board approved the measure by voice vote.

Bastian said the project team expects to finalize contractor documents over the winter, secure a contractor in January 2025, and that equipment lead times could be two to four months — putting installation and restored cooling in the May–June timeframe.

The administration cautioned the board that using the unassigned fund balance will make the next budget season more challenging, given possible aid formula changes and a large portion of the district’s property revaluations coming in March.

The board voted to proceed with the emergency authorization and will return to the board for final contract approvals and project closeout paperwork.