School board OKs financing for Bloomfield Middle energy efficiency project

The Nelson County Board of Education and Superintendent Anthony Orr pose for a photo with the March “Expect the Best” award winners, from left, Bloomfield Middle School teacher Susan Hey; Bloomfield Elementary School classified staffer Joe Ann Goode; parent volunteer Tricia Filiatreau and Boston School student Holden Underwood.

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio

Dr. Robert Tarvin, a financial adviser with Ross, Sinclair & Associates, discusses the bond sale to fund the district’s energy efficiency upgrade project at Monday’s board meeting.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017 — The Nelson County Board of Education set into motion Tuesday night the sale of construction bonds that will finance a $3.5 million energy efficiency project that will convert Bloomfield Middle School from propane heat to geothermal heating and cooling. The project will also include LED lighting upgrades across the district and other energy efficiency upgrades.

The district authorized the sale of a bond issue to finance $1.765 million of the project, which is about half the cost. The rest of the project amount — $1.77 million — will be paid for by the guaranteed energy savings the project will create.

Dr. Robert Tarvin, a financial adviser with Ross, Sinclair & Associates, reminded the board the energy savings are not “free money,” but money the district is obligated to pay. Those payments will be covered by the money the district will save on utilities.

GRADUATION DATE SET. The board gave final approval of setting the high schools’ graduation date as Friday, May 26, 2017.

Board member Diane Berry reviews the bond documents at Tuesday evening’s board meeting.

Thomas Nelson High School will hold its graduation ceremony at 5:30 p.m., and Nelson County High School’s commencement will start at 7:30 p.m.

In other business, the board:

— approved a application for a grant to provide life skills training designed to students in the 9th and 10th grades develop personal, interpersonal, and drug resistance skills. The grant application seeks $250 for each high school. If approved, the lessons will be incorporated in the freshman health classes.

— presented “Expect the Best” awards to Bloomfield Middle School teacher Susan Hey; Bloomfield Elementary School classified staffer Joe Ann Goode; parent volunteer Tricia Filiatreau and Boston School student Holden Underwood.

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