SC by J Aker

Energy Talks Continue for Hopkinton School Committee

By Jessica Aker
October 17, 2008-
The Hopkinton School Committee (HSC) met Thursday night to discuss 30 agenda items. The HSC focused on a variety of topics including the Siemens Corporation energy program, gifts, and contracts. As the school year progresses, it is easy to see that while the HSC has many issues to cover, they are on track and organized with each, providing timelines for completion of various projects and initiatives.

To continue with their efforts to support an energy savings programs within Hopkinton Public Schools, The HSC heard a presentation from Ronald Butzke, a representative from Siemens Corporation. Mr. Butzke gave an indepth and lively presentation about the process that includes choosing an Energy Service Company (ESCO) instead of a company such as Aramark, which offers services directly to a client.

"I enjoy doing what I do, and I believe in it," said Mr. Butzke. A project with Siemens Corporation would include designing a plan with multiple components, installing efficient energy structures, maintaining all that was replaced, and financing. Money from the working budget would go towards the initial costs of the project, but then the savings on expensive energy or costs of repair would be used to pay for the project in the future. Some project component options are indoor air quality, waste management, educational programs and security systems. The HSC is free to set a timeline of any amount of years, although clients usually pick around 15 years as their timeframe. The HSC could appoint and third party to complete the details of the plan, hire Siemens Corporation, complete projects themselves, or a combination of these three paths.

Mr. Butzke pointed out that, "This is a great way to complete a lot of projects because it has worked for multiple towns and institutions like Keefe Technical School, which is close by. The money that would pay for all of the repairs and upgrades would not be coming from increases taxes on citizens."

Vice-Chair Phil Totino asked, "How much would we be saving from the project?"

Mr. Butzke estimates about 7%. "We recommend open pricing models, and we would sit down with you to determine a fixed price for profit depending on current energy costs and predicted costs."

HSC member Dave Stoldt wondered, "Are we supposed to borrow the full amount of money necessary for the project in the beginning to finance it?"

Mr. Butzke said that the payments start after construction. If there are any savings during construction, you keep them. Initially the HSC would use their operating budgets to pay until the energy saving began. School Committee member Rebecca Robak brought up the inclusion of the wind project for the Middle School.

Mr. Butzke assured her that they had completed other projects with small to medium wind turbines. An example can be found at New Bedford High School.

Mr. Stoldt suggested that the HSC might use a process that would help outline the plans of both an ESCO and a service providing company like Aramark.

Target, Intel, the HPTA, and individual donors contributed about $24,700 into the gift accounts of all Hopkinton Schools. The HPTA gave the largest gift of $12,000 to fund the Hopkinton Public Schools Strategic Plan (HPSSP). Target's "Take Charge of Education" program contributed around $2435. The "Take Charge of Education" program allows individuals to apply donations based on purchases with their Target REDcard to a chosen school.

"It seems like we keep getting donations of a few hundred dollars every month from the program," remarked Superintendent of Schools Dr. John E. Phelan, Jr.

Intel gave $3,000 through the "Volunteer Matching Grant" program. Chair Nancy Burdick highlighted Mr. Totino's involvement with the HSC and other initiatives as the reason for Intel's contribution. Mr. Simon Vos donated camera equipment that will be used in the high school Visual Arts Department, particularly for photography. Ms. Burdick also spoke of an anonymous gift for the purchase and installation of a SmartBoard, an interactive touchscreen white board.

"It's a really great tool, and I think all of the students can benefit from it," said Ms. Burdick.

The HSC acknowledged 3 individuals of the Hopkinton Public School District who will serve as key members of the administration. Mr. Geoff MacDonald will continue as the Director of Finance until June 2012. Dr. Mary Colombo's contract as Assistant Superintendent was extended until June 2010. All members of the HSC acknowledge Mr. MacDonald and Dr. Columbo's work as excellent contributions to smooth operation of the Hopkinton public school system. Ms. Merideth Ekwall, the new Director of Elementary Education came before the HSC to introduce herself and thank the HSC for the opportunity to become involved in "such a friendly community."

Mr. Phelan remarked that he was "extremely impressed" by the quality and rigor of the individual's work. He also commented on their "abilities to adapt quickly" in a variety of challenging situations.

The Committee also discussed October 1st enrollment Period, an annual report, the potential 9C state budget cuts (which would not affect Hopkinton at the moment), The Borrego Solar Project/Middle School Roof Project, the capital improvements forecast, a Financial Planning Working Group Update, and the possible School Choice Program.

The next meeting of the HSC will be on November 6, 2008 at 7:30 PM.

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