REPAIRS AUTHORIZED FOR HEATING UNIT

Getting an energy-efficient climate control system installed at Central High School will be a priority for the Cape Girardeau school leaders in the next school year.

The Board of Education authorized repairs or possible replacement of at least one of the two, 50-year-old boilers that provide heat to the building. One of the boilers hasn't worked in at least 20 years, and the other has become increasingly less dependable in recent years.

The project could cost as much as $385,000.

District staff were instructed to order a replacement boiler so that it would be available for installation, if necessary, before the cold season begins in early October.

In the meantime, contractors will determine whether the system can be repaired or if the new boiler is a necessity.

"I think this has to be done because I really don't think that system is going to make it through another winter," said district business manager Rob Huff. Maintenance workers said the boiler system has outlived its potential lifespan by at least 15 years.

Cooling plans sought

The school board also approved a letter of intent with Control Technology and Solutions to prepare several detailed engineering proposals for cooling the high school, installing new lighting and making other improvements that will reduce utility payments and maintenance costs at the building.

The cost for the survey is a maximum of $50,000. It is the first step in determining whether the district will be able to purchase and install a multimillion-dollar, combined heating and cooling system over the next school year.

The project, which would replace a less-expensive cooling system considered last year, would be financed over 10 years using a state-financing option that helps school districts afford improvements to energy systems. Huff said savings from lowered utility payments and lowered maintenance and repair costs would cover the expenses of the financing option.

Schools superintendent Dan Steska said the new heating and air-conditioning systems are related and would be completed in tandem. However, the project can only move forward if enough money is available to pay for the work.

Steska said the district's finances have been stretched to the limit to cover a $1 million shortfall in promised state aid for construction of a new Career and Technology Center, and no extra money is available for unplanned or major expenses.

Additional money would be available if voters approved a 58-cent tax increase proposal Aug. 7, Steska said. The measure, which requires a simple majority for passage, would increase the operating tax levy to $3.99 per $100 assessed valuation to cover the cost for increased staff salaries, the climate control system and technology upgrades and maintenance over the next five years..