What Does “Warm, Safe, Dry” Work Actually Look Like?
A closer look at aging building systems at J.B. Nelson Elementary and Batavia High School
When we talk about the millions of dollars needed to maintain our schools, the numbers can be difficult to put into perspective. What does it actually mean when we say a building needs HVAC work? Why replace equipment that is still operating? And why can maintaining an existing school cost so much?
One way to think about it is to consider your own home.
A furnace, air conditioner, roof, or water heater isn’t expected to last forever. Homeowners plan for the day when aging systems need significant repairs or replacement. Our schools face the same reality—but on a much larger scale, with mechanical systems serving hundreds of students and staff members every day.
That reality is at the heart of our Warm, Safe, Dry (WSD) facilities plan.
Following the unsuccessful facilities referenda in 2022 and 2023, the Board of Education narrowed the facilities work to essential building needs. In December 2023, the Board approved the $48.1 million WSD plan, focusing resources on maintaining and extending the useful life of our existing schools. Previous News Story
Today, two upcoming projects help illustrate why this work is necessary. Both are priorities in the Warm, Safe, Dry facilities plan. Their age is part of the reason. Their condition and maintenance needs explain why replacement is being considered.
J.B. Nelson
The original piping at J.B. Nelson has deteriorated after more than 70 years of service. Much of it sits out of sight, beneath floors and behind walls.
The equipment it serves is also aging. The school’s chiller, which provides cooling, is more than 25 years old. Classroom heating and ventilation units and other mechanical equipment have been operating for more than 35 years.
J.B. Nelson’s plan focuses on replacing deteriorated piping and aging equipment while evaluating necessary improvements and how to complete the work within the available budget.
Actual Images of HVAC Piping at JB Nelson Elementary School
Batavia High School
In the BHS C-Wing, the classroom heating and ventilation units are approximately 33 years old. Mechanical failures have become more frequent, and the units have struggled to maintain consistent classroom temperatures.
The proposed work would replace those units. Project planning will establish the recommended equipment, scope, cost, and construction schedule.
When does replacement make sense?
Reaching a certain age does not automatically mean equipment should be replaced. A system that remains reliable and economical to repair may continue serving a school beyond its estimated useful life.
Facilities staff also consider the system’s condition, repair history, parts availability, and what would happen if it failed. As problems accumulate, staff must weigh continued repairs against the cost and reliability of replacement. An unexpected failure can also interrupt school operations and leave less flexibility to schedule the work.
What happens next?
Approximately $26.5 million in building and site improvements has already been completed or substantially completed using existing funds, including reserves and transfers from operating funds.
The J.B. Nelson and BHS projects are tentatively planned for fiscal year 2028. Their final scope and timing will depend on project costs and available funding.
The Board is considering reserves, operating funds, and possible Health/Life Safety bonds to help pay for remaining facilities work. Bonds would cover only eligible work and would add interest costs and a property-tax levy. Using more existing funds would reduce the resources available for other needs.
The Board has not authorized HLS bonds. Further discussion will address project costs, taxpayer impact, and effects on school finances before the Board makes a financing decision.
Read the September 16 update on remaining work and funding options.