BURTON SCHOOL BOARD LOOKS AT ENERGY SAVINGS
Saving energy was the main topic during Tuesday evenings Burton School Board meeting. Way Engineering gave a 3 year post installation report on energy savings by the district. Way was hired by the district in 2014 to update the heating, air-conditioning and lighting at the Burton schools. Each year since the installation, Burton schools have saved an average of 30 percent on their electric bill, which is higher than the projected savings. Even after the cost of the project is considered, the district has saved almost $24,000 in electricity over the three year period.
Board members also heard a proposal from Ideal Impact. Their assessment of the Burton schools showed that they could save an additional 18 to 24 percent in electricity. Ideal Impact is proposing a 5 year plan for the district costing $55,000. They guarantee that the project would save more than that amount over the 5 year term. Their plan would include replacing most of the heating and cooling controls and carefully monitoring temperature and humidity levels in the classrooms.
Enrollment in the Burton district continues to climb. Current enrollment is at 457 students. Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy said that each month the number goes up as more people move into the district. She told the trustees that they need to revisit the campus facilities plan and decide on the next move. Burton voters rejected a proposed $18 million bond issue in 2016. Board President Demetrius Colvin said if anyone doubted that the facilities needed improvements they should visit the field house. He said that it is in very poor condition with the door coming off its frame and showers that haven’t functioned in years.
In other action, the board nominated five people for the Washington County Appraisal District Board of Directors. John Schaer, Charles Gaskamp, Johanna Fatheree, and Leslie Boehnemann Jr. were re-nominated. Joe Antkowiak was nominated as a new member of the board to replace Delton Koerth who is stepping down.