New boilers planned for middle school

The Whitefish School Board voted Feb. 12 to replace the failing heating boilers at the middle school.

The boilers began malfunctioning about a year and a half ago and since that time the school district discovered that the type of boiler system installed is not the correct type. A boiler manufacturer representative estimates new boilers and installation will cost about $130,000.

“The boilers failed again about three weeks ago,” facilities director Ron Thompson said. “Both of them failed again within the same week. We need boilers that fit this system.”

The funds for the boiler replacement is anticipated to come from the district’s tax increment financing fund for maintenance.

Dan Mohn, with Vemco, Inc., which sells heating systems in the Northwest for several manufacturers of such systems, attended the meeting. Mohn represents the manufacturer, Cleaver-Brooks, of the current boilers.

He said a non-condensing boiler was installed when a condensing boiler is what the system is designed to use.

“It’s filling up with water the system shouldn’t ever see,” he said. “The longevity of the system is in question. It probably never should have been put in.”

Thompson noted that at the time of the installation in 2004, Mohn and an engineer both argued against the initial installation of the current boiler.

“Somehow they still got in the school,” he said.

The school board approved moving forward and will seek bids on purchasing and installation of the boilers.

The board also:

• Approved an agreement with National Parks Realty to serve as real estate agent in the sale of the Whitefish Independent High School building. The building is being listed at $325,000.

• Approved hiring Tim Naples as pep band director and the resignation of Jackie Fuller as high school activities director. Contract renewals were also approved for food service director Jay Stagg and facilities director Ron Thompson.