Clinton School Board approves staff pay increases, listens to energy savings proposal

By Mary Ann Inman

Reporter

CLINTON – The Clinton Community District School Board met at the Clinton High School on Monday, July 20, 7 p.m.

Board Members present were: Dustin Esselman, Gary Gilbank, Jill Gunderson, Ken Luety, Craig Ostrander, and Evelyn Propp. Tom Howard was absent. Administrator Dr. Randy Refsland and Business Manager Jeffery Walker were present.

Several educators (including Frank Crivello and Hildegard Kopp) and citizens were present. Representatives from Honeywell Energy Service Group attended and presented.

After the regular opening the board approved agenda corrections and minutes, expenditures and receipts, and employment changes.

Then the Honeywell Energy Service Group Representatives presented a proposal. The proposed review of energy savings potentials if accepted will cost the district $31,000 for all three buildings.

Implementation of energy savings projects will cost between $500,000 to $1,000,000 depending on choices made by administration and the board.

The project (up to 20 year payback) will be self-funded through energy savings because estimated savings need to be guaranteed by law as required by ACT 32.

Therefore, study estimates will be lower than actually expected. The representatives estimated an annual savings of between $58,000 and $97,000.

The focus on energy savings will be at the high school. The company cited an example: replacement of lighting with LED at CHS will be substantial savings realized immediately while replacement of the boiler at CES will not be returned during the lifetime of the building itself. Keeping the newest building from declining is important to avoid reaching the conditions now apparent at CES and CMS.

The company’s review of CES and CMS should show energy savings payback in 5-7 years is not possible for many items and help as supporting data for a new building referendum.

The hours invested by the company, thus far, looking at conditions and potential savings with CCSD Grounds and Transportation Director Bob Butler and Administrator Dr. Refsland have been done at no charge. The proposal needs more discussion before action.

Then the Board was presented with second readings of numerous policies and procedures to review.

Next the School Board approved support staff and administrative pay increases as presented. Craig Ostrander abstained from the vote.

A substitute teacher pay increase at 2 percent was approved unanimously.

A retirement language change was presented due to legal counsel recommendations. The early retirement HRA (after implementation) has been determined to be taxable and includes a surcharge, which is not what retirees or administration expected. The new language includes allowances to offset the costs for retiree’s unexpected charges.

Dustin Esselman suggested looking at choices between HRA and the 402 plan. After a discussion the board voted in favor of the HRA language change as presented with Esselman voting no.

Dr. Refsland reported MECAS negotiations were going well and gave an update on National Night Out planning.

Dr. Refsland noted that basically all of the planning is being done by the Village Police Department, Village Public Works Department, and Rock County Sheriff Department.

The School District will provide event restroom facilities in the CHS building, radios, and two grounds and building staff members (adding bad weather could be a factor). Over 2000 people are expected to attend.

The meeting was adjourned at about 8:20 p.m. without closed session.