Holdingford schools plan HVAC renovation and booster-funded scoreboard; IAQ study to precede work

Business Manager Garrity Gerber briefed the board on two separate facilities projects at the Feb. 4 work session. For building systems, Gerber introduced Mike Harding and Dave Overbeek of Johnson Controls, who reviewed talking points and timelines and recommended completing an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) study first to establish baseline performance against current code. Gerber said the district has secured a grant to pay for the study and report.

Johnson Controls presented a chart comparing equipment age against expected life span and said most boilers, HVAC units and exhaust fans are past expected life; the company emphasized the importance of following the proposed timeline to secure favorable pricing and to complete the renovation in summer 2027.

Separately, Gerber presented a partnership with the Husker Athletic Booster Club to replace the football/track scoreboard. The Booster Club will provide funds raised through sponsorships and fundraising to cover a Daktronics large LED video scoreboard, fiber and electrical infrastructure, and installation at a total cost of $267,000. The board gave consensus to finalize terms and prepare a written agreement, with the goal of the scoreboard being operational for the fall 2026 season.

Next steps include completing the IAQ study, reviewing the study with the facilities committee to finalize renovation recommendations and preparing communication for residents about needs and financial impacts.