The Woodland District 50 Board of Education approved a contract with Siemens Corporation on March 17 to install air-conditioning at Woodland Elementary East and West schools in Gages Lake, according to a news release.
Work is expected to begin this summer with the installation completed by the start of school in August.
The $3,635,091 project involves the complete replacement of the elementary schools’ 1991 additions of their unit ventilation system that has reached the end of its useful life. The entire elementary HVAC system will include the installation of air-conditioning.
“These two schools will see an immediate increase in their air quality beginning with the installation of air-conditioning this summer,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joy A. Swoboda in a statement from District 50. “Air-conditioning our schools has become a necessity as more of our children and staff face challenging health conditions. They deserve to be taught in an environment that is truly conducive to learning.”
The one remaining school that does not have air-conditioning is Woodland Primary School. In January, the Board voted to adopt a resolution to move forward with a referendum on April 7 in the form of a limiting tax rate increase of five percent for one year.
According to the press release, if the referendum passes, the cost to a homeowner would be $57.16 more per $100,000 of Market Value of the home on the 2016 tax bill.
The tax cap increase would be used to enhance technology in the classrooms in order to support 1:1 technology initiatives for students, support capital improvements in the buildings and install air conditioning at Woodland Primary School.
The last time Woodland placed a tax rate increase question on the ballot was in 1999.
Since 2006, the district has reduced 65 positions, delayed curriculum adoptions for the last eight to 16 years, reduced cleaning services in the schools, delayed technology upgrades as well as capital improvements.
“The Board of Education has committed to make an investment and fund air-conditioning at our elementary schools,” said Board President Dr. Mark Vondracek. “In addition to health concerns and air quality, air-conditioning our schools provides the district with options and opportunities to help our youngest and most academically vulnerable children in the fastest growing demographic (i.e. low income) who are already falling behind academically, with broader summer school and programs. And for our high-achievers and everyone else, options for supplemental/enrichment programs and courses over the summer are now possible.”
Information on the Woodland referendum including frequently asked questions, the five-year facility plan and other communications can be found at http://www.dist50.net/depts/PID/Pages/ref2015.aspx
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