Trustees address problem at Central

Sidney school trustees agreed during Monday’s building and grounds committee meeting that the heating problems at Central School can no longer be put on the backburner.

The building experienced heating problems during the holidays, and the future of the heating system is a concern. Two years ago, the heating problems at Central were discussed by trustees.

“We’ve put a lot of money into it during the last 18 months,” Sidney Superintendent of Schools Doug Sullivan said of repairs.

Trustees were hopeful of putting in a geothermal heating system at West Side Elementary School, but Sullivan said they might have to reconsider their priorities because of the problems at Central.

“We’re operating at West Side, not that well, but we’re operating,” trustee Todd Hermanson said. “We’re being told it could quit tomorrow here (Central).”

Central houses the school district’s administration offices and pre-school classes. The Boys & Girls Club of Richland County is another activity at the building.

After receiving information from building officials, trustees will consider such options as closing or eliminating the old wing, individually heating each room or doing a geothermal heating system for the newer wing. Sullivan said the old wing is about 80 percent empty and 20 percent is used for storage.

Sullivan said the estimated cost two years ago for a heating system to take care of part of the newer wing and elimiating the old wing was about $400,000-$500,000.

editor@sidneyherald.com