• Associated piping leaks
• Filter clogs easily due to oil quality
Pumps (4)
Installed in 2001
• System lacks redundancy
• Failure of system leads to entire school losing heat
Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The Craig County School Board on Jan. 20 voted to advance a $1.63 million heating system replacement project that would convert the division’s aging fuel-oil boilers to a propane-based system, a move officials said is aimed at preventing future school closures and improving long-term reliability.
Abby Weigel, a project manager with Schneider Electric, presented the final design and cost update to the board, outlining plans to replace two non-condensing fuel-oil boilers installed in 2002 and four circulation pumps dating to 2001. Both systems are past their expected service life and have contributed to repeated breakdowns, including heating failures that forced school closures in recent years.
“The objective of the project is to upgrade the current heating system to ensure uninterrupted learning in the future,” Weigel said, noting that filter clogs, piping leaks and a lack of system redundancy have made the existing setup increasingly unreliable.
The proposed system would install two high-efficiency condensing propane boilers, five hot-water pumps with built-in redundancy, new piping, an expansion tank and an air-and-dirt separator. The conversion would also require the installation of four 1,000-gallon propane tanks on a concrete pad at least 75 feet from the school, surrounded by protective bollards and fencing.
Weigel said the switch from fuel oil to propane is expected to reduce maintenance problems and operating costs while improving energy efficiency. Tickle Propane, which already has an established relationship with the school division, would supply the fuel.
The total project cost was presented at $1,629,947, reflecting an increase of about 3% since last summer. The price will be held through March 20 to allow time for contract approval and equipment ordering. Construction is planned for this summer while school is out.
In addition to equipment replacement, the contract includes three years of post-installation support, including remote monitoring, staff training and performance verification. The agreement is structured as a firm fixed-price contract, meaning Schneider would manage subcontractors and absorb most cost risks, officials said.
Board members unanimously approved a motion to move the project forward for consideration by the Craig County Board of Supervisors, which is expected to take up financing approval in early February.
The division first issued a request for proposals for the boiler project in 2024 after multiple winter heating failures disrupted classes. Schneider was selected following a competitive bidding process.
Superintendent’s staff said the upgrade is intended to provide a dependable, long-term heating solution and prevent future weather-related closures caused by mechanical breakdowns rather than snow.