Board OKs BMS energy project; Pate wraps up eight years on the board
Board member Larry Pate was honored at Tuesday’s board meeting with a large thank you sign for his ongoing support of the Boston School.
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, 3 p.m. — The Nelson County Board of Education gave its final approval for a project that will upgrade the Bloomfield Middle School’s heating and air conditioning system and continue the district’s series of energy efficiency improvements.
Tim Hockensmith, the district’s chief operating officer, reviews the documents regarding the districts upcoming energy efficiency improvement project at Bloomfield Middle School.
The board approved a guaranteed energy savings contract that will go to the Kentucky Department of Education for its review prior to the start of the project, Tim Hockensmith, the district’s chief operating officer, told the board.
The project will convert Bloomfield Middle School from propane heat to geothermal heating and cooling by tapping into the existing geothermal well field that now serves Bloomfield Elementary School.
The middle school project is about two-thirds of the $3.5 million project, Hockensmith said. The project also includes new LED lighting conversions at district buildings and other efficient upgrades.
Half of the cost of the project will be financed by a bond sale; the remainder will come from the district’s general fund. The bonds will be financed for 15 years, a shorter term that will save the district interest expense.
The district now rates No. 2 in energy efficiency.
PATE REFLECTS ON HIS YEARS ON THE BOARD. Outgoing board member Larry Pate expressed his appreciation to the district’s educators and support staff who have helped the district continually improve the quality of education.
“For the eight years I’ve been here, I have truly enjoyed working with this board,” Pate said. “It has been a pleasure.”
Board member Damon Jackey credited Pate’s extensive knowledge in HVAC and construction as being a benefit when the board was faced with construction and energy efficiency questions.
In other business, the school board:
— approved out of district contracts with other districts in the region with the exception of the Bardstown City Schools, which are governed under a separate agreement.
— approved the comprehensive district improvement plan, which will be submitted to state education officials for approval.
— approved applications by the district’s five elementary schools for Read to Achieve grants. The $50,000 grants will supplement each school’s reading programs.
— approved an application to allow the district’s two new ag teachers to attend the Case Summer Institute.
— approved a minor change to the 2017-2018 district calendar to correct the day school is out for the May 2018 primary election.
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