Daily Independent (Ashland, KY)

Local News

February 2, 2010

Russell board juggles building priorities

RUSSELL — New roofs, heating and air conditioning for the middle and high schools were the most-cited priorities in a school board discussion of needed building improvements in the Russell Independent School District.

The district expects to have at least $4 million and as much as $6.3 million in bonding capacity — the amount it is able to borrow — this year, said finance officer Dennis Chambers. The final amount will depend on the General Assembly.

Other big-ticket items on the wish list for both schools include cafeteria and restroom upgrades, lockers, lighting, sprinklers and, at the middle school, replacement of the front glass curtain wall with a more modern and energy-efficient facade.

The board discussed improvements, but did not make any decisions, in a special meeting Tuesday.

Doing all the above would cost roughly $5.7 million, according to board chairman Rick Roberts.

It is possible that the district may be able to stretch its bonding capacity under a state law that permits additional borrowing for energy conservation measures, board attorney James Lyon Jr. said.

Russell Middle School Principal Sean Horne characterized the curtain wall replacement as an energy conservation issue because the glass construction results in heavy heat loss during cold months and intense heat buildup in the warm months.

Other potential projects include replacing clock and intercom systems in both schools and upgrading wiring for computers and other technology equipment.

It is unlikely the district will be able to commit to all the projects.

Getting all of them done would cost upward of $7.5 million, plus architects fees and other costs that would add about 10 percent more, Chambers said.

However, Roberts said, replacement of leaking roofs and aging air conditioning and heating systems are of highest priority. “Those two, I don’t think there’s any way around that.”

The board will discuss the projects further at its next regular meeting. Whatever it decides, the plan is to move swiftly and get the work started as soon as possible, Superintendent Susan Compton said.

MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2652.

Text Only
Local News
Featured Ads
Seasonal Content
AP Video
No Limits for Disabled Hunters at Mich. Base Victim Identified in Fla. Face-chewing Attack Radioactive Bluefin Tuna Crossed the Pacific 90 Guns Seized, Dozens Arrested in Oakland Raw Video: Hail Storm Batters Oklahoma City 6-Year-Old Going to National Spelling Bee California's Foie Gras Ban About to Begin Video Essay: Funky Winkerbean Comic Turns 40 Hurricane Andrew Remembered, 20 Years Later Judge's Ruling Halts Tenn. Mosque Construction Romney in Las Vegas on Texas Primary Day Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
SEC Zone