HVS completes building projects during summer

The Huron Valley School District (HVS) used Building and Site Sinking Fund (BSSF) monies to facilitate scores of projects throughout the district over the summer recess period.

In 2009, the voters renewed another 10-year, 0.9513 mill collection for building projects and approved a small bus and technology bond issue. Every summer, significant construction and repair projects are completed and this summer was no exception. Huron Valley completed 82 projects at 19 buildings.

A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value. The owner of a property in the district with a taxable value of $100,000 pays $95 a year under the BSSF millage.

“We appreciate the support of the Huron Valley community in providing the funds needed to maintain our facilities,” said district Director of Community Relations and Fund Development Janet Roberts. “We have a responsibility to maintain the community’s assets and provide our students a secure and engaging learning environment.”

Projects selected were based on a needs assessment that aligns with the long-term maintenance plan for district facilities, goals, and urgent needs that may arise.

This year, BSSF monies were used to replace lighting with more energy-efficient products as part of a larger, ongoing energy savings initiative for the entire district. To this end, a new cooling plant was installed at the Bogie Lake campus, serving all three schools there at a cost of $580,000. That also earned the district $16,000 in DTE rebate energy savings.

Each of the parking lots and bus areas were paved at Heritage, Johnson, Oak Valley and Spring Mills at a cost of $550,000.

Roughly $320,000 was spent on flooring projects at Oak Valley Middle, and Lakeland and Milford high schools.

“We are now using a rubber product in corridors that requires no sealing or waxing — just basic cleaning, which will be more durable and save staff time,” Roberts said.

Moreover, roofing projects were completed at eight buildings; six classrooms were converted to 21st century classrooms; and a new computer lab was installed at Muir Middle School.

Other BSSF monies were used for asbestos abatement; door and window replacement; ceilings; sidewalks; cabinetry; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements; and ancillary projects.

Bus and technology bond funds were used to acquire seven new buses, replacement computers in all computer labs, and curriculum specific purchases such as white boards, document cameras and data projectors.