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BELOIT -- The West Branch school board this week approved a multi-million dollar contract to address immediate energy usage problems at multiple buildings in the district.
The board approved a contract with Trane to upgrade all energy usage, including heating, cooling and lighting, at the high school, middle school and early learning center buildings at a cost of $3.8 million. The project will also include a "building envelop project" to ensure there are no leaks around doors and windows, fixing issues as they are located, and there is proper insulation throughout the buildings; and complete LED transitions of all lighting in the three buildings, according to schools Superintendent Micki Egli.
Egli noted that the Knox Elementary building is not being included at this time.
Egli said the district is taking advantage of tax rebates and credits through the federal government, which help cover some of the cost. She also noted Trane guarantees the district will save at least 25% on utility bills, which will help make up for the cost over time.
The board dispensed with the statutory bidding procedures due to conditions of "urgent necessity" to make emergency repairs and improvements.
In other business, the board rescinded the contract with RW Sports Information for media and marketing services and accepted donation of $3,900 in labor and materials from Stitle Construction for an exterior door at Knox Elementary, $150 from Martig Farms to the Hospitality Fund for Welcome Back yard signs and balloons, $1,000 from Butech Inc. for the STEM program and $400 from Trane for opening day.
Under personnel, the board accepted the resignation of Bailey Gonci, intervention specialist, and Jennifer Bonar, custodian; accepted the retirement of Karen Sanor, secretary; hired Tanya Pearson and Melanie Brain as aides and Jody Greeneisen as a cook's helper; and approved Sarah Butler as a community relations volunteer to assist with clothing closet and other community needs.
The board also approved athletic supplemental contracts for Daniel Laut for boys basketball varsity assistant, Brad Smith for boys basketball junior varsity, John Hancock for boys basketball freshmen, Mike Falasca for boys basketball varsity volunteer, Mark Cosma for boys basketball seventh grade, Jon Cosma for boys basketball seventh grade volunteer, Walt DeShields for girls basketball head coach, Bob Shepherd for girls basketball varsity assistant, Lou Sellarolli for girls basketball junior varsity, Mike Butcher for girls basketball varsity volunteer, Anthony Lucente for girls basketball eighth grade, Chris Adams for girls basketball seventh grade, Marissa Frame for high school cheerleading volunteer, Alek Wilson for football volunteer, Chris Dorris for wrestling head coach, Mathew Galchick for wrestling varsity assistant, Mark Brink for wrestling varsity assistant, Alec Schopfer for wrestling varsity assistant, Dakota Kirksey for varsity wrestling volunteer, John James for wrestling middle school, Cameron Martig for wrestling middle school and Steven Marra for wrestling middle school volunteer.
Additionally, the board granted supplemental contracts to Greg Sharp for vo-ag, Courtney Cooper for vo-ag, Jen Smith for high school yearbook, Courtney Watt for high school student council, Colleen Hermann for sophomore class advisor, Dan Hall for high school e-sports, Teresa Santee for Aultman ambassador volunteer, Abbie Millard for lead mentor, Dennis McCracken for middle school Environmental Club, Rachelle Ring for Power of the Pen and LaDonna Handy for middle school yearbook.
khowell@salemnews.net