The Examiner U-46 News Feed

Boiler replacements set for five U-46 school sites

By Seth Hancock
  Boiler replacements will take place this summer at five School District U-46 schools.
  The work on the $1.9 million project, from the operations and maintenance fund, will take place between June 8 and July 25 at Streamwood’s Heritage Elementary School, Bartlett’s Independence Center for Early Learning and Elgin’s Ron O’Neal Elementary School through Mechanical, Inc. ($1.1 million), Coleman in Elgin and Wayne elementary schools through Ideal Heating Company ($878,221).
  “The boilers at Coleman, Heritage, Independence, Ron O’Neal, and Wayne are at the end of their expected lifecycles,” the proposal stated. “As a result, it takes a great deal of manpower and resources to simply maintain these pieces of equipment. Due to their age, administration can no longer source some of the parts needed for repairs. Thus, these critical building systems need to be replaced before they fail.”
  The item was among $2.1 million in operations and maintenance items approved 7-0 by the Board of Education at its Feb. 28 meeting.
  Included was a $49,800 proposal with Weaver Consultants Group for an asbestos three-year reinspection and management plan update, which the proposal stated is required under “state and federal regulations.”
  Presented and approved that evening was $57,698 to Diemer Plumbing and Excavating for emergency water main and sewer repairs at Elgin High School that took place in December.
  “Over winter break, the Elgin Fire Department called Plant Operations staff to report that there appeared to be a water main leak outside at Elgin High School,” the proposal stated. “Upon investigation, our grounds department was able to confirm that there was indeed a broken line, which was discovered to be the result of a break in the water main that supported the building’s sprinkler system.”
  Also unanimously approved was $11.9 million in itemized bills as well as the school fees for the 2022-2023 school year. Instructional fees will be waived for the second straight year while optional fees, like athletic participation and driver’s education, will remain the same as last year.