The Bellefontaine Board of Education learned about a large cooling project at BHS during their monthly meeting Wednesday night.
Waibel Energy Systems from Vandalia will perform the $1.2 million project over summer break.
Waibel President Dave Crosley, along with associates Bryan Schenck and Rodney Rhoades, gave a detailed overview of the upgrades. ESSER II funds from the federal government will pay for the project, which will provide healthier air and increased energy efficiency.
The new chiller system will cool the original 35 classrooms at BHS. That portion of the high school was built in 1968. Upon completion, each classroom will have individual temperature controls.
The project will purify the air through isolation technology, leading to improved air quality.
BCS Director of Administrative Services Roger Ely is excited for the project.
“The new equipment will incorporate CO2 sensors, fresh air, and ionization for a healthier air environment for students and staff,” he said.
Waibel has been the service provider for HVAC at BCS for several years.
January also is School Board Appreciation Month. Each board member was presented with a gift bag to recognize their service.
Former board member Scott Abraham was recognized with a steel apple and Marie’s Candies for his 6 years on the board. Abraham retired in December.
Newly elected board member Bryn Stewart was sworn in by Treasurer Josh Wasson.
She graduated from BHS in 1999.
The board also reappointed Karen Wilson to another term.
Also during the board’s 2022 organizational meeting, Brenda Sanford was re-elected board president. Colin Yoder will continue as board vice president.
The board approved their meeting schedule for 2022, with meetings slated for Feb. 14, March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, and Dec. 19. Each monthly meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Bellefontaine High School Distance Learning Center.
In other action, the board:
• accepted the resignation of Brenda Moon, food service worker, effective Jan. 7;
• approved Stacy Millice for a stipend for serving as a Virtual Classroom/Success Center grader;
• reappointed Joan Haushalter to the Joint Recreation District Board for four years;
• approved Haylee Pequignot and Quinten Walls were approved as substitute teachers;
• recognized December Seniors of the Month Emma Middaugh and Liam Harris; and
• designated the Bellefontaine Examiner and WPKO Radio were designated as the official media outlets of the school district.
The next board meeting is 6:30 p.m. February 14 in the Distance Learning Center.