The list of work needed at the Butler Middle School covers four handwritten pages but one of the biggest takeaways from an analysis of the downtown Butler structure is just how energy inefficient it is.
Matthew Hansen is a project manager with IKM Architecture discussing the 100 year old former Junior High, “There’s a target finder analysis that is done and it ranks schools one to 100. Fifty is an average school. We ran the numbers for this one based on the last three years of utility bills and this school is a 17. So that means you’re pumping tons of energy into this school and you’re getting minimal efficiency out of that cost.”
Hansen spoke as part of a tour for school board members Monday night. The inefficiency of the system means that the cost and energy needed to just heat the Middle School is far higher than it would be to heat and cool a more energy efficient structure of a similar size.
Superintendent Dr. Brian White pointed out issues from the top, with asbestos on the roof that needs abated, to the bottom, with the poor foundation of the newer building that demands periodic refilling. Maintenance staff has been taxed addressing problem after problem.
“We can’t keep asking our guys to put out fires and expect to get ahead. We’re just chasing our tail right now and so whatever the hottest fire is, is what we’re putting out facility-wise and that’s not a good maintenance plan,” White explained.
It is not known at this time how much money, if any, from a recent bond issue will be used to make repairs at the Middle School or when those repairs will take place. Additional changes and possible projects will be highlighted as part of an ongoing series each day this week.
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In other Butler Area School District news:
The Butler Area School District was forced to cancel school for a sixth time this winter due to bad weather.
Because of Wednesday’s closure, students will now have to go to school on Thursday, March 29.
That was originally supposed to be a vacation day due to the Easter holiday. It will now be a regular school day for students.
