The Mathews County Board of Supervisors, on a 4-1 vote Tuesday, approved the purchase of two new chillers for Mathews High School at a cost of $200,000.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Holleran told the board that repairs to the chillers since 2012 had been in the neighborhood of $50,000, with one of them breaking down more often than the other. He said that humidity build-up caused by the malfunctioning chillers had damaged the floor tiles, which had to be replaced, adding to the cost. He said a high school “is supposed to be the showcase of the county,” and pointed out that outside groups use the facility for theatrical productions, concerts and other functions.

With a six-week lag time between ordering the chillers and receiving them because they have to be built, Holleran said, “we’re ready to hit the button go.” Otherwise, work will conflict with the fall opening of school.

During board discussion, supervisor Jack White questioned the wisdom of...