A contracting company has recommended $2.6 to $3.2 million in energy efficient investments for Jaffrey-Rindge School District buildings.
Michael Davey, business development manager at Energy Efficient Investments, presented projects reccommended for the four district schools to the School Board on Monday, including boiler replacements at all four schools, lighting upgrades, and weatherization upgrades.
“In the case of the boilers, we are replacing infrastructure that is toward the end of its life,” said Davey.
Davey said the return on investment for all the proposed projects would be about 18 years, with projects such as changing current lighting to LED offering a better return than much more needed projects like replacing the boilers.
Whether all projects combined cost $2.6 or $3.2 million will rely on whether the district gets a $375,000 rebate for installing a biomass boiler at the high school, which would also service the middle school. The plan includes a switch from oil to propane, with installation of the biomass boiler depending on the status of the rebate.
The School Board asked Davey to provide the board with different funding options at its next meeting. Options include funding through the budget or issuing a bond or lease. The projects could be completed all at once or in phases.
“It’s a big nut to ask the district to contribute,” said board chair Laurel McKenzie. “We need to find the best solution for the taxpayers and the buildings their children go to.”
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.