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LISBON --The school board is being asked to consider upgrading its HVAC system to better control heating and cooling.
Representatives from Gardiner, the firm that manages the school's HVAC systems, attended this week's board meeting to discuss its proposal after being asked to look into the issue by Superintendent Joseph Siefke, who said they are unable to adequately control the heating and cooling at the junior/senior high school. This is not only inefficient but results in significant temperature variances in the classrooms.
The problem is most of the system controls and sensors are at least 26 years old and replacement parts no longer exist. Some of the units have been refurbished but they did not last long, and to continue along this path has become increasingly expensive.
Gardiner installed new controls and sensors last fall in a single classroom as a pilot program and that resolved the temperature equalization problem. The company has proposed doing it throughout the entire junior/senior high school for $176,000. Gardiner officials said the move would reduce the school's electric bill from $134,802 per year to $91,368, for an annual estimated savings of $43,164.
School Treasurer Vickie Browning-Prowitt pointed out the maintenance and remote systems control agreements would cost a combined $37,000 per year.
Siefke said he needs a decision by the April meeting if the improvements are to be completed by the start of school in late August, or if the board wants McKinley Elementary included in the upgrades. The board has a packet of information to review, and Gardiner said the new controls and sensors could be done on an incremental basis if the district wants to do that, but it would prove more expensive in the long run.
In other action, the board hired Seidler Engineering of Girard for $10,000 to come up with a plan to repair the gymnasium wall at McKinley Elementary. Siefke said the wall has a crack and it has not widened over the past several years, but he wants it addressed. For $10,000, Seidler will shore up the building so they can take a look at the foundation and develop a plan once it determines what is the problem.
The board also:
-- Approved the 2019 graduating class, which numbers 74 students, six more than the year before.
-- Renewed contracts with preschool aides Judith Darcy and Nadine Kale.
-- Renewed the following contracts for the next two years: cafeteria workers Jenna Carman, Jody Graham and Deona Lange; custodians Amy Dyke, Christopher McCormick, Brian Seevers and Amanda Tuttle; bus drivers Richard Haught, Matthew Phillips and Glenna Rader; and secretary Lisa McCoy.
-- Hired Sarah Smith to provide home instruction for eligible students.
The board's next meeting is 5 p.m. April 18.
tgiambroni@mojonews.com