RC Elementary renovation plan under consideration

by Peter Jakey Managing Editor School officials in Rogers City are looking at establishing a $1.3 renovation plan for Rogers City Elementary School. The major undertaking, which would take place during the summer months of 2007, would improve infrastructure, the heating system, and make the building more energy efficient. The 44-year-old school is in desperate need of a new heating control system that will warm the building evenly. There have been complaints for more than a decade that portions of the building get either too hot or too cold. Superintendent Paul Mancine said improvements to the heating system would provide more efficiency, and also provide comfort to students and teachers in the classrooms.

IN THE FOCUS on energy, part of the project would include replacement of single pane windows with double pane windows. Part of the revamping also would include the addition of more electrical outlets. In addition, there are a couple of options for making the hallways more ADA complaint. The school has an upper level and lower level with a set of stairs linking the two sections near the office. School officials may look at installing a lift, or a lengthy ramp.

Scott McLennan, who serves as a member of the Rogers City Area Schools Board of Education?s properties and facilities, planning committee, said it makes more sense to hire people once and get all of the work completed at the same time, instead of piece-mealing it.

MCLENNAN SAID the improveme

nts would extend the life of the school, since he believes the community will be using it for many years to come. ?We know we are going to keep the school,? said McLennan. The committee chairman wanted to see the future renovation project to be put on a ?fast track? by the school board. Funding for the project would come from the voter approved building and site fund, which is at $550,000. The millage generates $300,000 a year, said McLennan. Part of the preliminary plan would be to ?float a bond? that would be paid off from the millage money. The building and site millage will be in place for another six years.

If the board would move forward with the project, it not only would extend the life of the 1962 structure, but ?in the long run it would save the taxpayers some money.? The committee met Monday, prior to the regular board of education meeting.

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