Grove reports on energy audit
School Board members learned about the results of an energy system audit conducted by Environmental Systems, Inc. (ESI) which took a holistic approach to analyzing Hamilton High School energy usage. The report gives Hamilton a baseline energy benchmark of 85 out of 100 points, which makes it eligible to be classified as an “Energy Star” facility. Hamilton’s overall facility score was 9 out of 10 points, reflecting high level conditions and functioning.
District Buildings & Grounds Manager Jeff Grove said the ratings are especially good considering the age of the high school.
“For a 50-year-old building, I will take (the energy ratings) any day,” Grove said.
“The report validates that what we have been doing is really paying off for us,” he said.
In addition to the ratings, the report recommended several minor repairs or operational changes costing a total of about $3,000 that are expected to save $1,855 annually in energy costs. Grove described those changes as “easy energy conservation measures.”
School construction comes in on time, under budget
Marcy and Woodside elementary schools’ construction projects are coming in on time and under budget. Students and staff at both schools will be able to take full occupancy of the additions when classes resume Jan. 2 after winter break.
Already in November Woodside was able to use its multi-purpose facility. The classroom addition will soon house second-graders, with fifth-graders who are currently in the portable unit moving into the second-graders’ former home and one first grade classroom. The first grade class will move to join the rest of the first grade classrooms near the office.
Students will have the opportunity to move into their new lockers Dec. 21, and teachers will begin moving and setting up bulletin boards Dec. 20 and 21 after school. Custodial staff will work on the full move over the break.
Each project was estimated to cost about $2 million, but came in $130,000 under budget. The Woodside project includes a five-classroom addition to replace the portable unit and a multi-purpose room to meet gym and band needs for the growing school. Marcy saw construction of a six-classroom addition and expansion of an area that housed two classrooms to create a multi-purpose room for conference areas and individual and small-group services. Both schools have additional restrooms to meet municipal codes. The district did not go to referendum for projects, but instead used its operational budget over two years to cover costs.
Hamilton students can join co-op ski team
Hamilton High School students interested in downhill skiing will be able to participate in the Menomonee Falls Alpine Ski team for the 2013 race season. Three Hamilton students will join the Menomonee Falls team which competes in the Midwest High School Ski Conference. Students will be responsible for all costs involved with team participation.
Personnel news
In personnel business, the School Board approved hiring Timothy Ferschl as a Maple Avenue part-time cleaner.