CCS Renovation Plan Targets Major Systems
by Members of the CCS School Board

This is the second in a series of three articles to present information about the condition of the school, the desired wood-chip facility and upcoming bond vote.

In the last issue, the extensive renovation needs of Charlotte Central School were outlined. Repairs were prioritized into four categories:
•  conditions that are unsafe or threaten the health of our students
• systems that have deteriorated beyond annual/regular maintenance
• design characteristics and aging mechanical systems that result in excessive energy use
• code violations.
The board considered five different renovation options to address the repair needs, which are concentrated in the 1949 and 1969 buildings. After hearing from building experts and the community, the board voted to pursue two projects: a Bare Necessities Renovation Project with an estimated cost of $2.8 million, and a wood chip heating system, with an estimated cost of $1.6 million. 
The Bare Necessities Project is just that, a renovation project that addresses basic renovation needs that have a direct impact on the functioning of building systems. These systems affect the health and safety of the students and staff, as well as community members who will utilize CCS. In addition, our architects, Dore and Whittier, have been working with Efficiency Vermont to ensure that the renovation project improves the energy efficiency of the school. 
After 60 years of maintenance, many of the systems in the 1949 building are past their life expectancy. The renovations will target the major systems in the 1949 building (structural, heating, ventilation, plumbing and electrical) as well as the heating and ventilation system in the 1969 building. In addition, the project will address several code violations that exist in the 1949 building. 

The Bare Necessities scope of work includes:
• replacing the existing roof on the 1949 building with a new vapor retarder, additional insulation and membrane roof
• replacing the failed exterior insulation and finish  system on the 1949 with new stud wall with spray-applied foam insulation and fiber cement siding
• replacing all windows, frames and screens in the 1949 building to improve efficiency and day lighting
• replacing the outdated mechanical system in the 1949 building with an efficient Heat Recovery System
• replacing the entire electrical system in the 1949 building, including replacing original fixtures with high-efficiency, parabolic-lensed fixtures and direct/indirect fixtures, occupancy and daylight sensors 
• replacing the unit ventilators  and exhaust system in the 1969 building
• replacing the outdated pneumatic control system for the heating and ventilation system with a direct digital control system
• adding insulation to the boiler room and breeching dampers in the flues to prevent heat loss up the chimney
• renovating existing 1949 bathrooms so that they are ADA compliant
• replacing the two defunct chair lifts with working models to be ADA compliant
• adding  a wet sprinkler system to the 1949 building

  The second bond, for a $1.6 million wood chip facility, is a proactive effort to reduce our consumption of and dependence on oil. The wood chip facility would be located where the Quonset Hut currently stands and connect to the school through underground pipes. Last fall, when the cost of oil was $4 a gallon, a review of the school’s oil consumption and initial life-cycle cost analysis indicated that CCS would benefit from a wood chip facility. We would further benefit by linking our purchasing of wood chips with CVU. Now that oil is in the $2.50 range, the current payback is longer. Comparative data of schools of similar square footage and consumption are available on the Bond Vote web site. 
 The last article in this series will detail the cost breakdown, funding options and tax implications of the two bond proposals. Further information regarding the scope of work for both the Bare Necessities Project and the wood chip facility can be found at ccsvt.us; click on BOND VOTE on the left hand side. We can also be reached at schoolboard@ccsvt.us. 
 
Mark your calendar to attend a coffee at the Senior Center on October 14 at 1 p.m. to learn more about the bond vote. In addition, there will be another Community Forum and Guided Tour on October 28 at 6:30 p.m. that will commence in the CCS Library, followed by the Bond Hearing at 7:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room.