Air conditioning has been installed at almost every Ottawa Elementary School after the district got federal COVID relief money. In another one of our top stories of 2022, the Ottawa Elementary School Board approved installing geothermal energy to provide air conditioning at Jefferson and McKinley Elementary Schools in February this year. But they are trying to find a solution for Lincoln Elementary. The district could pay out of its own pocket to get geothermal energy, but it would cost the district about eight to ten million dollars. There have also been discussions about having a temporary solution like window units. Board Pres. Brendan Donahue said that the board doesn’t seem to be making any progress even after having to cut the school day short in September.
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School Architect Bill Taylor told the district in October that no matter what happens, the school needs an electrical upgrade first. And unfortunately right now it would take about six to ten months to get the equipment for the upgrade.
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Board Member Mary Ganiere continues to support getting geothermal energy for Lincoln Elementary. But Donahue says he doesn’t agree because of the cost. In October the board rescinded a vote from 2021 that would have asked the district to go out for bid for the project. It was a 5-1 vote. Supt. Michelle Lee says the district is looking at different options and will do what is best for students.
WCMY file photo of Lincoln Elementary School. The school wasn’t covered under the federal COVID funds which is why the board is trying to find either a solution.
