Mercer County board hears major technology and construction updates as new elementary nears completion

The Mercer County Board of Education received a broad facilities and technology update covering completed technology upgrades, current projects tied to the new elementary school and several construction change orders.

Mr. G, the district technology director, said the district has completed a conversion of analog phones and fax lines to cellular dialers, installed about 270 wireless access points, and implemented new student‑safety and management tools. He reported that the district’s fiber connection to the new elementary school is in place, interactive panels and staff devices have been procured for the building, and vendors will finalize equipment updates before move‑in. Mr. G also said a new automated bus‑entry gate with key‑card access is operational.

Construction staff updated progress at the new elementary school and athletic projects: interior classroom demolition, gym floor sanding and striping, exterior base coats and parking preparations are underway, and the contractor expects water-line work to finish imminently so final site work and sod can be installed. The stadium and a required fiber splice to the high school were also noted as upcoming tasks.

The board reviewed and approved several change orders. CMTA engineers explained that energy‑recovery ventilation units supplied under contract required more electrical circuits than originally shown in design documents; the mechanical substitution in the public bid meant each unit needed three power feeds rather than one, requiring a change order and a five‑day contract extension. Board members discussed public‑bidding constraints that prevent single‑sourcing manufacturer models and approved the resulting electrical change order.

Another approved change order involved running code‑required conduit and a power receptacle for a PLC conference-room kitchen area; the quoted cost reflected the required commercial installation rather than a simple outlet.

The board and staff also discussed cybersecurity concerns, the discontinuation of bus Wi‑Fi after a federal reimbursement change, Chromebook refresh cost increases, and the district’s need for digital‑learning coaches to support staff and students. Most construction and electrical approvals were passed by roll call; the contractors will complete punch‑list and testing tasks before full occupancy and scheduled open‑house events.

Next steps: finish testing and vendor updates, install final signage and site work after water activation, and continue coordination on electrical splices and HVAC commissioning. The board approved the change orders as presented.