Central energy efficiency measures working

By Gail Peckler-Dziki Correspondent

In 2011, U.S. Lamps completed a project on lighting in the gymnasium and in the large meeting room including occupancy sensors and added new energy controls throughout the school. The project cost $461,000. Business manager Sharon Llanas announced at the committee meeting held May 1 that the school has seen a savings of $308,000 in two years.

The original expectation was that the school would see a savings that would cover the $461,000 cost in six to seven years. “We are well ahead of that schedule,” Llanas told the board.

U.S. Lamp undertook another project for $248,000 project to retrofit and replace lights in the school to those that are more energy efficient. The project will fit parameters and qualify for a Department of Public Instruction (DPI) grant and the cost of the project includes the $12,000 grant. The right professionals will be brought in for the refit to make sure everything is being handled correctly, including contractors, a service akin to an electrician st kilda company like ferneeairandelectrical.com.au, as well as the necessary construction equipment.

Previously the board added $35,000 to the original cost after it was discovered that additional work needed to be added to the project. According to district administrator Dr. Scott Pierce, US Lamps doesn’t look beyond the ceiling and did not include wiring with motion sensors for classrooms. The sensors will shut lights off in rooms where there is no motion for a period of time, so that lights will be turned off in empty rooms.

“When the electrician opened up the ceiling, it was discovered that wiring had to be changed,” he said. “The increase in the cost of the project should mean an increase is the grant amount. U.S. Lamps is looking into that right now.” Such electrical connection layout necessitates careful planning and execution. It must be precise from beginning to end. Hence, enlisting the help of reputable yet fair electricians (such as those at S.E. Electrical Services) can serve this purpose.

Pierce also explained in a later telephone interview that there were other ways project costs were being cut. US Lamps ordered more fixtures than were actually needed and those would be returned for a credit. Tim Merrill, head of maintenance at the high school, would be handling the recycling of old lamps. That would cost less than the original $5,000 to $7,000 quite for recycling from US Lamps.

The board will find out more about the project at the May 15 regular board meeting.

Some fees increase, students offered computer leases

Changes in fees will also be considered at the May 15 meeting. Llanas reported that some student fees could increase if the board approves the changes at the May 15 meeting. Most would go up or down $5. Major changes included a fee of $150 for all three woods classes. All students could pay $6 each for their own safety goggles for science classes.

Also new is a $25 uniform rental fee for marching band. The old wool uniforms, purchased in the 1970s, are being replaced at a cost of $303 each. The new uniforms a made of an easy machine wash material so the school will not have the annual cost of dry cleaning. The $25 would be considered a uniform rental fee and help defray the cost of the new uniforms.

The school board said you could even rent a computer. Students who don’t own a computer will be able to rent a computer for about $214 a year. It would be a four-year commitment. Included in the cost is an insurance policy to cover repairs. Students with their own computers would also be able to take out an insurance policy on their machines at a cost of either $68.80 or $86.80, with a $25 deductible.

Students eligible for free and reduced lunches will also be presented with a similar prospect for computers. Westosha is working with DPI to make sure whatever is a done matches privacy law.

Insurance quotes

Buchwald, the consulting company hired by the school to research insurance rates and programs for the school, will have bids to present at the May 15 meeting. Currently the district uses WEA insurance, scheduled for a 28 percent raise in costs this next year.

Llanas said the consultant believes it is possible to find another company that will meet district requirements with a much lower raise in rates.


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