While Bellefontaine City Schools’ students are about a week into their summer break, a busy season of improvement projects at Bellefontaine City Schools is already in full gear.
The second phase of a large renovation project at Bellefontaine High School has begun. ESSER III funds from the federal government is paying for the project, which will lead to energy and maintenance savings for years to come.
Energy Optimizers, USA from Dayton is performing the $3.7 million project..
The original portion of the high school was built in 1968. The project will provide a cleaner indoor environment, a healthy learning environment, extend the life of the building, and avoid future capital costs.
“This project is all about improving the learning environment for students. It’s a real blessing for the school,” BCS Director of Administrative Services Roger Ely said.
These projects do not affect the general budget of the district, since they are funded through grant dollars and permanent improvement funds.
The first phase of the project was completed in the summer of 2022.
Here’s an overview of what’s happening this summer:
• All windows in the original classroom wings at BHS are being removed and new, energy-efficient windows are being installed.The old windows were aluminum frames and single pane glass that were very inefficient. The new windows are designed to help reduce heating and cooling cost due to their high-efficiency rating.
• In addition to the windows, several high traffic original exterior entry doors and frames will be replaced with new energy-efficient door units.
• Crews will also replace the four main gymnasium air handlers mounted in the rafters. The new air handlers will have heating and cooling capabilities and will be able to introduce fresh air as needed, while electronically monitoring CO2 levels in the space. The original chiller unit that provides the additional cooling was replaced with a larger unit during spring break. Like the windows and doors, this work is all funded through grant monies.
• Other permanent improvement projects that started in the last week included asphalt repairs in the high school student parking lot. Contractors removed deteriorated asphalt from several areas by grinding down the old and laying two inches of new asphalt.
• The high school recently received work replacing masonry expansion joints with new sealer. The new sealer helps to preserve structural integrity by keeping moisture out of the masonry walls that can cause deterioration and damage. Sealing the joints will also help keep the building envelope tight and reduce energy costs.