Energy program continues to reduce consumption
The district experienced another 5.56 percent decrease in energy consumption from 2007-08 to 2008-09, according to a report written by Buildings and Grounds Manager Jeff Grove. The decrease, which is based on BTU usage per square foot, amounts to $167,524 in energy cost avoidance.
Energy savings projects have included lighting updates, monitoring building temperatures for efficiency, boiler upgrades and building envelope improvements such as window replacement and roof insulation. Total cost avoidance since the district initiated the energy-savings projects in 2001 has resulted in more than $723,000. Cost avoidance is how much more the district would have paid without conservation efforts or operational changes.
Technology replacement in process
More than 50 computers will be replaced at the high school and 45 SMART board-projection systems will be purchased for districtwide distribution. The number of computers would have been higher, but the School Board approved deviating from the district’s regular computer replacement plan in August because 219 MPC machines were failing and could not wait until March to be replaced.
The plan includes purchase of 10 Hewlett-Packard notebooks, 12 Macintosh computers split between yearbook and graphic arts and 32 new computers for the Library Pit Lab. The 31 existing computers in the Pit Lab will be moved to Room 53.
In addition to the computers and SMART boards, 24 data drops will be added in the high school’s Room 53 and 24 data drops will be added at various Marcy locations to eliminate all temporary switches. The strategic replacement of aging routers and switches is planned across the district.
Athletic co-op participation approved
Hamilton High School students will continue to participate in hockey and swimming programs until 2012, following School Board approval of two co-op programs. The Boys Swim and Dive Program is offered at Menomonee Falls High School and includes Germantown High School. The number of participants from Hamilton has ranged between six and 11 boys in the past three years. The co-ed Hockey Program is a cooperative with Germantown, Hartford Union, Menomonee Falls, West Bend East and West and Slinger high schools. Six Hamilton students participated in the co-op Hockey Program for each of the past two years, and four in 2007-08. The program is 100-percent funded with student fees.
Career transition skills available to students
Four Hamilton High School students and two staff members showcased new opportunities that provide them with career transition skills. High school teacher Jim Nelson introduced students Kayla Oezer, Timothy Rebensburg, Madeleine Kuenn and Rebecca Ferkans. The students described experiences they have had through job shadowing, resume and job application preparation, advice on job interviews, and financial and life skills classes. Speech and language specialist Jen Knapp said outside programs like Opportunities Incorporated allow staff to offer students a “total package” as they prepare for a career.
Personnel news
In personnel business, the School Board:
Accepted the resignation of Lannon third grade teacher Laureanna Raymond-Duvernell, effective at the end of the school year; and
Appointed Amanda Hunter as a Marcy special education paraprofessional, and Jamie Leiviska as a Marcy special education replacement teacher, both effective Feb. 16.