Glen Lake has come to a final decision of whether or not they will put a millage on the ballot in November.
After months of talks, the Lakers will put the wheels in motion for an $8.175 million campaign (.48 mills over 20 years) to fund infrastructure projects at the school.
Along with the $8 million bond, the Board of Education has verbally committed $3.5 million out of their capital projects budget to purchase new hot water boilers and to replace the outdated steam boilers. This will also convert the existing system in the 1957 portion of the building from steam to a hot water boiler system. This immediate need will update the infrastructure and ceiling tiles in the oldest portion of the building that was constructed in 1957. This replacement project will begin in the spring of 2025.
The change of heart comes after July’s regular meeting where the board indicated they would most likely not be going for a bond in November.
That was until a special meeting Thursday when the board found a path.
The board then agreed to ask district voters to consider supporting $8 million to replace HVAC unit ventilators and new duct work distribution to support climate-controlled classrooms with improved indoor air quality.
The scope of the bond also includes replacing the outdated unit ventilators and connecting to the new hot water boiler system. Concurrent with this process includes adding air conditioning to classroom unit ventilators since this is the most logical and cost-effective time for this upgrade to occur, according to Misner.
Classroom casework and flooring will also be replaced as needed, partially due to the new configuration of the classroom mechanical units. This will provide additional appropriate storage for a cohesive classroom learning environment when the updates are complete, according to Misner.
If passed, this will allow a new Glen Lake 10-year capital improvement plan to remain intact to address other needs including roofing.
Over the next five years, Glen Lake would spend nearly $20 million (if bond passes) on capital improvement with $12 million coming from the general fund, according to finance director Ben Papes.
Over the last five years the district has replaced windows with upgraded energy efficient window units, replaced the entire septic system, and created single-point secured entries into the building for both the high school/middle school area and elementary/superintendent area that are nearing completion right before the school year begins.
If a bond is passed, construction would not begin until 2026.
“All (HVAC systems) are at or near life expectancy,” Glen Lake superintendent Jason Misner said.
This bond will include funding needed for the connection between the new unit ventilators to the new hot water boiler system.
The new bond attempt comes after the school replaced nearly all of its windows and built a new septic system to handle the schools growing sewage needs.
In other news, Glen Lake brought in Jackie Bradford in part-time special education and reading intervention positions.
“Jackie has held numerous positions here at Glen Lake from subbing in the elementary office, daily substitute, and as our secondary building sub. She recently completed her internship in special education with Judy Willey this past year completing her master’s degree. We also know that amount of love, support, and passion Jackie has had for Glen Lake for many, many years,” Glen Lake Middle School Principal Dina Rocheleau said.
Glen Lake is also bringing on Teddy Butrick as a bus driver after serving as a substitute driver for over five years while maintaining a position in the maintenance department within the school.
