KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Kennewick School District is looking to hold an engineering firm financially responsible for repairs to an HVAC system at Southridge High School.
According to a resolution in the school board meeting packet for an upcoming Wed., Aug. 14 meeting, the system would cost up to $500,000 to repair.
The system was updated in 2021 during that year’s school expansion project. Since then, the system’s 4-pipe hydronic system has seen shifting due to failing supports and has been leaking glycol fluid, which is used as refrigerant in the system.
During the Wednesday meeting, the board will consider a resolution that would declare the existence of an emergency due to the possible safety hazards for students and staff. The resolution would also waive competitive bid requirements and allow the district to start scheduling repairs.
KSD notes that the upcoming repairs will not affect day-to-day school operations and that the first day of school, Aug. 28, will be unchanged.
