The McHenry School District 15 Board of Education on June 24 approved a change order of about $169,400 to Midwest Mechanical to upgrade thermostats and controls at Edgebrook Elementary School.

District staff said the upgrade was not included in the original scope but is needed to enable wireless remote control of classroom thermostats so operations staff can monitor and adjust mechanical systems more efficiently. "This is something that we added after the fact that we want to enhance those mechanicals to make them more energy efficient and more accessible remotely," a district representative said.

Staff told the board the work will allow the district’s operations manager to have remote visibility and control of HVAC units, which can help with after-hours troubleshooting and centralized management. The cost will come from fund 20 fund balance, the presenter said, and the board voted to approve the change order without additional bidding because the same mechanical vendor is performing the primary scope of work.

A motion to approve the Midwest Mechanical change order carried on a roll-call vote. The district said similar controls will be incorporated into future mechanical renovation plans at other buildings.

The board approved the change order and directed staff to proceed with installation as part of this summer’s capital projects.