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Plan would complete security, HVAC and window goals
Plan would complete security, HVAC and window goals
The Board of Education and administration have been on a mission to ensure every school has a security vestibule, efficient climate control and ramps that meet accessibility guidelines. With the advantage of up-front bond funding, the Zero Tax Impact Referendum would be a giant step toward equity.
The middle school (shown) and intermediate school already have security vestibules.
Vestibules + Other Security Layers
Vestibules + Other Security Layers
Two-stage vestibules are the standard in school security, letting a person come into an enclosed entryway for screening before gaining access to the entire school. The middle school and intermediate school have them. For equity, the referendum proposes building them at all three elementary schools and the high school.
Also at the high school, the interior could be redesigned to improve security. The main office, the nurse's office and the guidance office would be reconfigured so these well used spaces could optimize student engagement and maintain traffic flow while appropriately restricting wide access. Read more about plans for the nurse's office and Counseling Department on the FAQs page.
These measures would be the continuation of NPSD’s intent to make schools as secure as possible. Observation cameras are in place throughout the schools and funds are earmarked each year to expand their coverage. The middle school piloted a screening system to check visitors’ identification against databases, and NPSD just ordered the same systems for all schools.
From Repair-Prone to Peak Efficiency HVAC
From Repair-Prone to Peak Efficiency HVAC
NPSD used federal, pandemic-related funding to replace systems for HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) in three schools. The newer system at Somerset Intermediate does not need to be replaced at this time.
The September 16 ballot proposes to bring equal attention to East End and West End Elementary Schools. Those systems are 30 to 40 years old, and upgrades would help the district move away from a repair-as-we-go existence to more stability for the everyday operating budget.
A comprehensive, electronically controlled HVAC system would eliminate the use of window air conditioning units in East End and West End instructional areas. They were bought in the COVID era, but those kinds of units aren’t meant to last much more than five years.
A comprehensive, electronically controlled HVAC system would eliminate the use of window A/C units. Those kinds of units aren’t meant to last much more than five years.
Older windows don’t make an efficient weather barrier and many just don’t function well.
Window Replacements Would Finish a Job
Window Replacements Would Finish a Job
Windows and doors are integral to security and climate control. NPSD has been using the operating budget to replace doors in all schools. Windows are part of the referendum plan.
At the middle and high schools, most windows are 25 years old. These older windows don’t make an efficient barrier between the climate-controlled interior and the weather whims outside, leading to energy loss and condensation build-up. Despite repairs about five years ago, many old windows just don’t function well.
The referendum proposes replacing frames and windows in the middle and high schools – finishing a job the Board of Education has been working toward for several years.
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