Welcome Back
Day 6- so far we have had a smooth opening with a few ‘hiccups’ in transportation. Since this is the last year of our reconfiguration we anticipated some challenges with new bus routes and timely drop offs. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work these issues out.
I have received quite a few e-mails about air conditioning. It is a topic that usually comes up in June and September. Last year the Board and I started a plan to air condition the cafeterias in all of the buildings. The Middle School is already finished and we planned to address the high school next. We anticipate having all of the cafeterias completed by the spring.
Air conditioning individual classrooms is cost prohibitive. Here are some things we consider when making these types of decisions:
- Cost of the Air conditioner
- We would not install a residential window unit. Over the last few years when a room must be air conditioned (children with documented medical issues) we have installed a commercial 1.5 ton split unit. These units typically cost $2,500 each
- Is there enough electricity?
- Commercial units require a 220 line; therefore we need to bring a dedicated line from the electrical panel to the location of the new unit. Assuming we have enough power in the building there is a cost to run the power.
- Cost of electricity
- Running the unit isn’t free. Consider the following:
- Willis Avenue annual electric bill averages 130,000.
- That is more money than the combined costs of Hampton ($30,000), Meadow ($36,000) and Jackson ($52,000)
- Installation
- In addition to the cost of installing a unit, how it is installed also must be a consideration. We no longer install window units at the HS and MS b/c we recently installed new windows in those buildings. Our elementary buildings are in need of new windows and securing an air conditioner to those windows may be structurally unsound and/or unsafe.
- Running the unit isn’t free. Consider the following:
Lastly, if we did decide to condition the air in every room we would not place an individual unit in each room. We would have an architect professionally design a roof top system that would be more effective and efficient than single room units.
With the confines of a 2% levy cap we work hard to look before we leap. Will I empathize with our students and faculty about uncomfortable conditions we must be aware of all of the expense surrounding air conditioners. In the interim between weather changes we will purchase fans to help cool the rooms.
Check out the Williston Times article about Herricks and how they installed solar panels on multiple buildings. They received money through a grant.
With the exception of Willis Avenue none of our buildings are air conditioned. When we do renovations we include it in the new spaces. i.e. the HS auditorium, HS, MS, Meadow and Hampton libraries. Air conditioning in new construction is a lot different than trying to condition or retrofit buildings constructed in 1939 and 1953. There are a few classrooms district wide that have air conditioning- this is usually because of a medical issue of a student or staff member.
Commercial Solar panels are different than home systems. The rebates they offer largely come in the form of tax rebates, which does not help school systems. The savings comes from the cost of electricity. The cost of putting a 10 KW system in will not be re-cooped for over 10 years. We had an independent company come in last year as part of an Energy Performance Grant and they could not justify the cost as part of a savings package.
Can you give us a brief history on the discussions of Air Conditioning? It seems unlikely this is the first time it was brought up. While the 2% tax cap does put restraints on the district, it appears the district did it’s share of infrastructure projects before the cap. I went to my first “meet the teacher night” and while I was impressed with our “Smart Boards” , netbooks, Compass learning, etc. , I don’t remember the last time I was in a building with no Air Conditioning.
Thank You
First, thank you for bringing this conversation to a forum that can be accessed by all.
The question of solar panels was brought up. I know you and the Board have discussed this. When you have the opportunity, would you please share your thoughts and findings on placing solar panels on our buildings?
Thank you.
Yes, Dr, Nagler. thank you for bringing up this topic on your blog. I have been concerned with this situation for years and anything that can be done to make this happen for our students and teachers would be wonderful. In this day and age air conditioning is not a “luxury,” it is a “norm” and truly necessary to maximize the quality time in the classroom. Let’s continue to explore the various possibilities and find a solution.
The District Council Facebook page is a great tool to get the conversation started….BUT…. it does not take the place of other forums such as this blog, emails, PTA meetings or BOE meetings and we must always remember that there are proper procedures that need to be followed to actually get things done and make a difference. Thank you Dr. Nagler for looking into the concerns and issues the parents have brought up . Not all things are possible and many issues are much more involved than most realize. Your efforts to at least cool off “common places” that are used by all students such as the cafeteria and or testing areas is a start in a reasonable direction. It still may not be possible in the end due to cost constraints with a 2% tax cap, but at least it is being explored.
Thank you for addressing this issue as it was a hot topic on the district council facebook page. Dr. Nagler, would you consider starting a facebook page similar to your blog? It seems people are much more comfortable on facebook to discuss their concerns and don’t really think to go to your blog. I guess its because we ALL are constantly on facebook. If thats not an option, I understand.