SCS to Add Boiler Conversion Project to Ballot

SCHOHARIE - In addition to a budget and school board candidates on their May ballot, Schoharie school district voters are likely to see a proposition to install a fuel conversion for the boilers.

Superintendent David Blanchard spoke to school board members at their March meeting about the need to convert the boilers from fuel oil to propane.

District officials plan to put a proposition for the conversion on the May ballot. The cost will likely be $3,9 million but there are funds in the capital reserve account and the work will most likely not require additional tax levy.

In February, officials said they may also put an upgrade to the school public address system in the project. Mr. Blanchard said Tuesday that the PA upgrade has been removed from the project. "We think we can use our IP phones as they can be upgraded for PA announcements and the bell schedule at little to no cost," Mr. Blanchard added.

Under the boiler project, the current fuel oil tanks that are in the ground and are more than 30 years old and beyond their lifespan, will be removed, Mr. Blanchard said. There is a potential for leaks. In the project, the tanks would be removed and the boilers would be converted to propane.

District officials have been blessed with great support from taxpayers on numerous projects, Mr.  Blanchard said. 

"Our facilities are the envy of many local districts," he added. "Our taxpayers have been very supportive."

The recent building condition survey of both schools indicated a need to update the boilers, the Superintendent told board members.

Officials have been concerned with the boilers and it was a "Herculean effort" to keep them operating efficiently this winter. The district was down to one  boiler and maintenance crews had to change filters numerous times and he came in on the weekends during the coldest weather to make sure they were operating properly.

New propane tanks would be installed, Mr. Blanchard said. Some roof repair would also be part of the project.

During an emergency replacement several years ago, one boiler was replaced but the other, which was the same age, was not, Mr. Blanchard noted.