When voters in the Auburn Enlarged City School District vote on the district’s budget and school board candidates next month, they’ll also have the opportunity to vote on a $7.2 million building project referendum.
According to the district, if passed, the emergency capital project would see HVAC systems upgraded at four of the district’s elementary schools – Casey Park, Genesee, Herman, and Owasco.
The district adds that the upgrades are urgently needed because the aforementioned schools’ current HVAC systems are outdated, making it extremely difficult for the schools to maintain proper classroom temperatures as required by law. The upgrades also work toward addressing the state’s Keeping Kids Safe legislation, designed to keep students and teachers safe from extreme heat.
Additionally, coils in some of the current units have frozen and burst, leading to water damage in classrooms.
The district has stated the project will have no impact on school taxes or this year’s budget, as funding will come from the district’s capital reserve fund and unassigned fund balance.
The vote will take place on May 20.
The district believes the reason for the failure of the current HVAC systems, despite several efforts to retrofit and fix them, is a defective design. Because of this, the district has decided to take on the emergency project and hold the project architect responsible for the costs.
Following the architect’s refusal to provide compensation and the district turning down a counteroffer, the district said both parties have agreed to mediation to try to resolve the matter. If this proves unsuccessful, the district added it would move forward with a lawsuit to recover damages.
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