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Haldane Board Opts to Upgrade Existing Heating System
by Mike Turton
The Haldane Central School District, grappling with how to deal with an aging heating system in its elementary and middle school, is opting to upgrade the existing steam-based system. Switching to a geothermal system was considered but ruled out. While that newer technology showed promise in terms of long-term cost savings - those savings were based on the system's ability to efficiently provide air conditioning, a feature that trustees have felt is needed for only a few weeks of the year. A completely new hot water system was also looked at, but at the Board's September 18, 2007 Workshop Meeting, when Superintendent Mark Villanti asked Director of Facilities Wayne Robinson if he felt the additional 2 million dollars in costs associated with that system was worth it, Robinson replied simply "No. Steam is probably the better way to go."
While less costly, sticking with steam won't be inexpensive. Estimates for replacing the existing boilers, adding computer software and improved temperature controls along with other necessary upgrades total roughly 2.5 million dollars. Additional capital works such as repairs to the roof and parapets, improved ventilation, energy efficiencies, lighting and other improvements could bring the total project cost to an estimated six million dollars. Referring to the necessity for the works Villanti stated "There is nothing frivolous here - nothing glamorous. This is a meat and potatoes project."
Because Board President Dave Merandy was unable to attend last week's meeting, trustees postponed establishing a detailed timeline for the project until their next meeting. The project will eventually go to a public referendum for approval. Construction would not likely begin until spring or early summer 2009.
The meeting marked the last appearance before the Board of Middle School and High School principal Andy Irvin who has accepted a position with Rockland County BOCES. Superintendent Villanti indicated that more than thirty applications have already been received. Villanti stated that interviews would be held in October and that he hoped to make a recommendation to the Board regarding a new principal early in November. The Search Committee conducting interviews will include trustees, administration, support staff, teachers, students and parents.
In her report to the Board, Elementary Principal Maggie Davis reported that between July 1 and the first day of school, enrollment increased by thirty students. "This is very unusual in my experience," she stated.
Trustees will participate in a retreat at the school on Saturday, September 29. Using an outside facilitator, discussions will center on operational procedures as well as long and short term goal setting. "We won't 'polish the apple'," Superintendent Villanti remarked, adding, "Goal setting is a six-to-nine month project." Villanti went on to explain that after the retreat, staff would pick up the discussions which eventually would lead to revised vision and mission statements as well as instructional initiatives aimed at addressing those statements.
Former Board Trustee Joe Curto was appointed to serve on the Haldane Audit Committee for 2007-2008. The Haldane Board of Education is scheduled to meet next on Tuesday, October 2, 2007.
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