The heat is on

With unanimous approval on Monday, Dec. 12, from the Kimball Board of Education, the local district will repair the air handler that is housed in a small room off the band room at the junior/senior high school.

Though the aged unit is currently functioning, the ongoing issue can only be repaired by rebuilding a shaft and bearings, which cannot be replaced with newer parts. Additionally, the pulleys will be replaced.

“The shaft is no longer made, it will have to be custom-built,” Building and Grounds Director Gregg Fossand said. “It is just wearing out the bearings too fast for us to continue throwing bearings into it.”

Because the unit is housed in a closet, of sorts, off of the band room, the repair will include cutting into the wall to make the repairs. It is expected to take up to three days to complete.

This repair, coupled with the replacement of the low limit control on the east common air handler unit and the replacement of the multi-zone unit mix air controller, will remedy some of the heating issues at the school, at the cost of just more than $6,280 for all priority repairs.

“The low limit control is a potentially damaging issue, and the multi-zone unit with the bad mix air controller – which we have seen some negative effects of cold air blowing in overnight and in the morning in the high school building, it can get pretty cold in there,” Marshall Lewis, Kimball Schools Superintendent said. “Those three we felt needed addressed at this time.”

Other repairs, totaling nearly $2,500, were determined a lesser priority at this point and will be delayed until necessary, according to Superintendent of schools, Marshall Lewis.

Other action taken by the board:

Second reading of review of board policies 802.01, Student Travel for Activities and Events, 802.02, Transportation Services and 802.03, Bus Safety Program.

First reading of review of board policies 802.04, Vehicle Driver Requirements, 802.05, Transportation, 401.06, Certificated Professional Staff: Professional Growth and 401.07, Certificated Professional Staff: Professional Growth Requirements

The board voted unanimously to enter into executive session to discuss, consider and take all necessary action with regard to review of board self-assessment and also in regard to the Superintendent Evaluation.

No action was taken following the closed session. The next regular board meeting is scheduled of Monday, Jan. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.