Emergency transformer failure at high school; district to replace equipment under insurance coverage

Facilities staff told the finance committee on March 18 that a transformer serving the high school failed after school on a February Friday, causing lighting and heating disruptions. Facilities supervisor Mr. Lester said engineers and Burlington Electrical testing (BSI) determined one of three internal coils suffered catastrophic failure, contaminating the transformer oil and rendering the unit uneconomical to repair.

BSI provided a rental transformer that restored full service the same night. Staff said BSI can supply a replacement transformer under a co‑stars contract and recommended purchasing a new unit. The district’s business office said the vendor’s proposal before the committee totals $167,430 for replacement during normal hours (an after‑hours option would increase the cost by $4,688). The district carries equipment‑breakdown coverage and the insurer has already agreed the failure is a covered claim; the district’s deductible is $25,000 and rental costs and additional repairs would be submitted to the claim for reimbursement.

District staff indicated the insurance claim will remain open until any additional damage (for example lighting systems) tied to the failure is evaluated and processed. Because the vendor can supply equipment immediately, staff requested authorization to issue a purchase order so replacement work can begin promptly and be ratified at the board’s Monday legislative meeting.

Committee members supported moving forward with the emergency purchase order and noted that the insurer will cover replacement costs above the deductible.