By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
The days of 90-degree temperatures inside the gymnasium at Hartselle Junior High School came to an end Monday night for students and faculty members when the school board voted to “cool it down” with 40 tons of central air conditioning equipment.
The board voted to award the project to Chenault Heating and Cooling for $100,000 following a recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Mike Reed.
Principal Don Pouncey said the plan for the air conditioning system, which was approved by the State Department of Education, calls for the installation of two 20-ton central units outside of the building along with overhead ductwork.
Pouncey said he and his staff began an effort to raise money to help air condition the gym over a year and a half ago with the school board’s pledge to match whatever amount was raised.
A recommendation was approved to increase the rate for the extended school day program at the elementary schools from $35 to $40 per week.
A recommendation was approved to in crease t science class fees at Hartselle High School as follows: General Science from $0 to $5, Anatomy &Physiology, biology, Chemistry and Physics from $12 to $20 and Agriscience and Driver’s Education from $15 to $20.
Approval was granted for the enrollment of 73 newcomers out-of-district students, two more than the number admitted in 2007-08.
Reed said most of the students would be attending kindergarten and first grade.
The board also approved low bidders for athletic equipment for the 2008-09 school year.00
Personnel recommendations approved by the board are listed as follows: