G.I. Public Schools Approves $4.1M HVAC Upgrade for Barr Middle School

The school board also approved new copier and printer contracts and an alternative education program for adjudicated students.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, out-of-focus photograph of a middle school hallway, with students walking and lockers visible in soft, warm pools of light and color, conceptually representing the upcoming HVAC upgrade at the school.The upcoming HVAC upgrade at Barr Middle School will ensure a comfortable learning environment for students and staff.Grand Island Today

The Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a $4.17 million bid from Mid Plains Construction Company to upgrade the HVAC system at Barr Middle School. The board also approved a $270,990 annual contract with Eakes Office Solutions for new copiers and printers, as well as a $659,490 annual contract with Ombudsman to provide an alternative education program for adjudicated students in grades 6-12.

Why it matters

The HVAC upgrade at Barr Middle School is a significant investment in the district's infrastructure, ensuring students and staff have a comfortable learning environment. The new copier and printer contracts, as well as the alternative education program, demonstrate the district's commitment to modernizing its technology and supporting students with specialized needs.

The details

The HVAC project at Barr Middle School was originally bid by six companies, but only Mid Plains Construction Company and Chief Industries submitted final bids. The work will begin on the lower level of the building, with the current HVAC system remaining operational during the school year. The district also approved a 60-month, $1 buyout lease with Eakes Office Solutions for a new fleet of 120 copiers and printers across the district. Additionally, the board approved a three-year, $659,490 annual contract with Ombudsman to provide an alternative education program for adjudicated students in grades 6-12, which includes staffing and 70 student slots per year.

  • The Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education voted on the HVAC upgrade, copier/printer contract, and alternative education program on April 9, 2026.
  • Work on the HVAC upgrade at Barr Middle School will begin on the lower level of the building.

The players

Mid Plains Construction Company

The construction company that was awarded the $4.17 million bid to upgrade the HVAC system at Barr Middle School.

Dan Petsch

The Director of Buildings and Grounds for the Grand Island Public Schools district, who presented the details of the HVAC upgrade project to the board.

Cory Gearhart

The Chief Information Officer for the Grand Island Public Schools district, who provided information about the new copier and printer contracts.

Dr. Summer Stephens

The Associate Superintendent for the Grand Island Public Schools district, who discussed the alternative education program provided by Ombudsman.

Ombudsman

The organization that was awarded a three-year, $659,490 annual contract to provide an alternative education program for adjudicated students in grades 6-12 for the Grand Island Public Schools district.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're excited that they're making good progress over there.”

— Dr. Summer Stephens, Associate Superintendent

“This is more cost effective. We feel pretty good about the service we're getting.”

— Matt Fisher, Superintendent

What’s next

The school district will continue to monitor the alternative education program provided by Ombudsman to determine if the district could potentially provide the program with its own staff in the future.

The takeaway

The Grand Island Public Schools district is making significant investments in its infrastructure, technology, and student support services to ensure a high-quality educational experience for all students. The HVAC upgrade, new copier and printer contracts, and alternative education program demonstrate the district's commitment to continuous improvement and meeting the evolving needs of the community.