Replacement windows are just the beginning

Published: Thursday, February 11, 20

The following is a statement submitted to the Pottstown School Board on Jan. 21:

This evening a proposal from the NSC (Neighborhood Schools Committee) will be brought before the whole board regarding replacement windows for Rupert & Edgewood. I'd like to urge the board to consider the weight and validity of this proposal. It is, quite possibly, the beginning of a series of projects which seem to be headed in the direction of renovating all five elementary schools.

According to the Honeywell study (July 2009), the windows suggested as needing replacement are not the ones this proposal will recommend. It seems that the NSC is in agreement with the Honeywell report to replace the windows at Edgewood as an Energy Conservation Measure (ECM). The classroom windows at Rupert, according to the study, are wood frame and double pane glass as are many of the other buildings in the district. The report does not suggest that replacing the windows at Rupert will assist us in energy conservation or in realizing any financial savings in actual energy costs paid by the district.

Based on what I know, this window replacement project is being termed a 'maintenance' project and by virtue of that name will avoid many of the safeguards in place, via the Plan Con process. This process ensures that the school board has a plan for that work to be done and that it is justified and in compliance with State regulations. I further believe this project has many potential health risks and is being rushed through the approval process.

To vote 'yes' to this proposal so quickly after the reorganization of the board, in my opinion, displays a disregard for the students whose care you are charged. This proposal will likely displace students and teachers and create a difficult start to the 2010-11 school term. This is, quite possibly, the most important time of the school year in setting a routine to have a year filled with learning and positive classroom behavior. To suggest that it is "no big deal" to relocate classrooms for the short-term is preposterous, at best. This matter and the logistics are critical in the consideration of this proposal.

In my opinion, proper care has not been exercised to examine the potential health risks, particularly at Rupert. It is a known fact that asbestos is a prevalent component in building materials from that time period (1920s and 30s). Asbestos may be present in plaster walls and ceilings as well as floors and floor tiles. It is not harmful if sealed and undisturbed but if disturbed and airborne, it becomes a significant health issue and concern. I have a similar concern regarding lead paint. These substances are responsible for things like mesothelioma and severe developmental delays. If these contaminants are released into the building and spread, particularly if undetected, they pose a significant risk to our children and the building employees. Simply put, this proposal does not require a vote tonight. I urge you to seek a comprehensive plan and consider the ultimate costs for a "rush job."

I'd like to move on to another issue that will most likely come before the board in the coming months — geothermal heating systems at all elementary schools. At the NSC meeting held on January 19 we heard Mr. David Anstrand relate information and experiences with geothermal in the Manheim School District. While Mr. Anstrand gave us a 'primer' to geothermal there were many questions he could not answer as they are specific to our buildings and land sites. His experience was a renovation/expansion construction project. He explored utilizing this new technology in 1995 during a complete remodel and expansion. The results in Manheim have been favorable but the implementation of geothermal blossomed from this construction project. Our situation is the polar opposite: we are considering geothermal and will be forced to consider electrical upgrades, insulation issues, replacement doors and creating spaces for units in or near classrooms. In conclusion, this will likely turn into a construction project and it should go through Plan Con, too.

With regard to payment of these projects, I find it hard to believe the price tag will be affordable for the savings proposed and will yield little to no improvement to our children's education. We have become a buy now/pay later culture and have suffered the consequences of that — consider the recession we are in. It would seem to me that if we elect to take on more debt (currently $34 million — paid off in 18 years) we should establish a plan that provides not just energy savings. We should seek out a plan that adds value to the education we deliver in the Pottstown and provides energy savings. It may be a very good time to get low interest/no interest bonds and competitive contractor bids but is it a good time for Pottstown residents? I would like to believe that if there were tangible benefits to the education delivery process it would be an easier pill to swallow.

In conclusion, I think this proposal should be changed to reflect what the comprehensive study reflects. All respect to Mr. Schmidlapp's report but I am not confident it was comprehensive and I am skeptical that facts have changed so radically in six months. I further fail to see how larger windows can match the energy efficiency of a solid wall and smaller replacement windows at Rupert. Based on health concerns I'd like to see more information and less rushing on the part of the board. Consider carefully the geothermal proposal as it makes its way to a vote and if it is the right solution and follow the Plan Con process to safeguard everyone in the district. Consider the benefits of fewer sites to make geothermal a reality, when the time comes. Keep education, health and safety of all students and staff at the forefront of all you decide to do. Your most important role is striking a balance between education and maintaining our sites while not overburdening the taxpayers.

STEPHANIE CARMODY

Pottstown

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