Post by momto4 on Aug 17, 2011 13:36:46 GMT -5
West Aurora Schools examining cost to air condition all buildings
beaconnews.suntimes.com/7101151-417/west-aurora-schools-examining-cost-to-air-condition-all-buildings.html
AURORA — As the school year began last year, a heat spell made conditions unbearable in the West Aurora schools for teachers and students alike.
Administration and the District 129 Board of Education heard from teachers and staff about how difficult it was to operate in those conditions. Board member Allyson Herget wanted the teachers and staff around the district to know that their voices were heard. She wants them to know that the district is looking at cooling options, but that it would be expensive.
“We certainly want them to know we’re on it,” she said.
On Monday the school board heard from architect Pat Callahan with Studio GC architecture in Chicago regarding the cost of air conditioning district wide. It could be between $26 million and $35 million, depending on the system.
“We’re not recommending anything to you this evening,” Superintendent James Rydland told the board.
If the district decided to take action, a referendum would be the only way to cover a cost that high, according to Chief Financial Officer Christi Tyler. To cover a $30 million cost, the owner of a $100,000 home would end up paying about $35 to $40 more each year, Tyler said.
Pete Kerl, assistant superintendent for operations, noted that the school is better able to do its job in more comfortable conditions.
“It makes a huge difference to learning when we can provide an environment that’s conducive,” he said. “I’m praying for the cool weather we’ve been having to continue through September.”
Callahan said that it would be a challenge to be able to install air conditioning at some of the older buildings in the district, but that it is possible.
Callahan said the district would likely be able to save some money by having the whole project completed at once. Kerl said that there may be some grants available to reduce the taxpayer cost.
Board member Amie Thompson mentioned the idea of combining resources with a neighboring district such as East Aurora to drive down costs. She also suggested that administrators find out what the monthly energy costs will be with the air conditioning.
Rydland also noted that air conditioning the buildings would allow the district flexibility in expanding the length of the school year if the board ever wanted to go that direction.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/7101151-417/west-aurora-schools-examining-cost-to-air-condition-all-buildings.html
AURORA — As the school year began last year, a heat spell made conditions unbearable in the West Aurora schools for teachers and students alike.
Administration and the District 129 Board of Education heard from teachers and staff about how difficult it was to operate in those conditions. Board member Allyson Herget wanted the teachers and staff around the district to know that their voices were heard. She wants them to know that the district is looking at cooling options, but that it would be expensive.
“We certainly want them to know we’re on it,” she said.
On Monday the school board heard from architect Pat Callahan with Studio GC architecture in Chicago regarding the cost of air conditioning district wide. It could be between $26 million and $35 million, depending on the system.
“We’re not recommending anything to you this evening,” Superintendent James Rydland told the board.
If the district decided to take action, a referendum would be the only way to cover a cost that high, according to Chief Financial Officer Christi Tyler. To cover a $30 million cost, the owner of a $100,000 home would end up paying about $35 to $40 more each year, Tyler said.
Pete Kerl, assistant superintendent for operations, noted that the school is better able to do its job in more comfortable conditions.
“It makes a huge difference to learning when we can provide an environment that’s conducive,” he said. “I’m praying for the cool weather we’ve been having to continue through September.”
Callahan said that it would be a challenge to be able to install air conditioning at some of the older buildings in the district, but that it is possible.
Callahan said the district would likely be able to save some money by having the whole project completed at once. Kerl said that there may be some grants available to reduce the taxpayer cost.
Board member Amie Thompson mentioned the idea of combining resources with a neighboring district such as East Aurora to drive down costs. She also suggested that administrators find out what the monthly energy costs will be with the air conditioning.
Rydland also noted that air conditioning the buildings would allow the district flexibility in expanding the length of the school year if the board ever wanted to go that direction.