SCHOOL COUNCIL MINUTES
March 7, 2006
Present: J. Furey, M. Farrell, B. Deinlein, J. Harrigan, J. Foose, N. Missaggia
Guests: Mr. Steve Soule, Facilities Supervisor
Mrs. Nancy Kane, Library/Media Specialist
1. Presentation of Technology in the building
Mr. Soule began the presentation discussing the solar panels located on the student center roof. The projected value of the electricity that could be generated from the solar panels is $6,879. The first six months of the system has generated $3,401 worth of electricity indicating that projections are on target. However, the use of electricity in the building is exceeding the original projected amount. Given the anticipated amount of electricity generated each year the cost of the solar panel system will be paid in 7 years. Mr. Soule hopes to have data collection software working and online in the near future. Recent legislation is forcing electric suppliers to find alternate energy sources. As a result, the electric company may be paying the school to generate our own electricity!
Mr. Soule then explained the geo-thermal heating system. This is an alternate source of heating/cooling that works for our school in addition to the two conventional burners using natural gas. The school has 3 wells that run 1500 feet deep pulling in 48 degree water. Heat pumps, run by electricity, use the water to create the heat and then pump colder water back into the ground. The system is also used in warmer months to produce cooler air. The projected savings with this system are $19,142.
The lighting system in the school is run by motion sensors. Motion in the rooms causes the lights to turn on. Based on the amount of natural light available, the light bank closest to the window reacts by dimming if not needed.
Ninety percent of the paper products used in the building have green seal approval.
Mrs. Nancy Kane was our second presenter. She explained how she uses technology in her teaching to all grade levels. Mrs. Melissa Farrell presented the use of technology in the science lab and classroom. Both women demonstrated use of the computer, LCD projector, power point.
2. Parents
were reminded of the workshop scheduled March 28 in the
3. Jan Foose gave an update on work being done by the Wellness group.
4. The next meeting will be held on April 4 at 6:30 in the Community Room.