The Mahomet-Seymour School Board approved several facility upgrades, including electrical upgrades and air conditioning units on the second floor of Sangamon Elementary and 10 classrooms at MSJHS on Tuesday.
Board members approved $23,259 at Sangamon Elementary and $35,914 at MSJHS to upgrade the power grid in order to handle the electrical service needed to run the units.
In the fall of 2013, Ameresco monitored temperatures throughout the district. They identified 10 rooms around the courtyard at MSJHS and the second floor of Sangamon to be the hottest spots in the district. Sangamon will receive window units in the classrooms on the second floor by May or June. MSJHS will receive ductless-split cartridge units in the 10 identified classrooms.
“We know it’s not ideal with the window units, but it will add value to the facility,” Superintendent Rick Johnston said.
The district’s current plan is to move grades 1 and 2 out to the district’s 77-acre property within the next three to four years. Window units will add relief to the classrooms upstairs while grades 1 and 2 are there, but also increase the value of the property should the district decide to sell it.
Although it is not set in stone, MSJHS is expected to house grades six through eight for another 8 to 10 years. The district looked into upgrading the HVAC system at $2.2 million, but decided to work with the dollars the district has with long-term planning in mind.
While cartridge units will only go in 10 classrooms during Phase I, students will receive relief from the heat during some point during the day. The district plans to look at the south side of the building for Phase II.
Sales tax dollars will pay for the air conditioning upgrades.
The district voted to utilize the Health/Life/Safety Fund to upgrade six restrooms in Lincoln Trail Elementary. The ADA compliant restrooms will mimic the design of the restrooms at MSHS.
With a $50,000 maintenance grant match, the district will fix the bleachers in the orange gym at MSJHS this summer. The new bleachers will be a durable plastic material with wood floor boards. They will include railing, an isle system with handrails and wheelchair access.
Ameresco will also replace the press box at Frank Dutton field this summer. With extensive water damage, the press box has been a part of the Health/Life/Safety Survey since 2006.
The board also approved $400,000 for furniture at Middletown Prairie Elementary. The district stayed within budget as they eliminated furniture for a Pre-K and kindergarten classroom which will not be used for a couple years. Bookshelves, easels, some new seating and filing cabinets will also be re-utilized from MECC and the administration offices.
Director of Curriculum Mary Weaver updated board members on the pilot PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) assessment some students in grades 5 through 11 will take this spring. This is the last year for ISAT testing. Students will begin the PARCC assessment during the 2014-2015 school year.
Students randomly selected to take the PARCC assessment will be tested in the spring and again at the end of the school year. Although the PARCC assessment is comprised of two tests, Weaver said the test takes the same amount of time as the ISAT.
The district will not receive the PARCC assessment results, but the district will become familiar with what the PARCC exam looks like from a teacher and student perspective, they will analyze how to prepare for the test and learn the test administration protocols.
The board also approved the English Honors Program which was presented to them in December.
In order to save the district money long term, the board voted to finalize contracts with natural gas and electricity vendors through Chris Landstrom of Twin City Energy. Through locking in a rate with an electricity provider for 36-months, the Mahomet-Seymour School District could save about $7,400 annually.
The district’s electricity contract with Ameren will expire in October. The natural gas contract with Center-Point Energy will expire in June.
A 24-month contract for natural gas with Center Point could save the district $4,500 annually.
