District Plans Major Upgrades for Union Elementary and Dominic Valley High Schools

As the sun begins to warm the halls of local schools, the Finance Committee gathered to discuss critical upgrades that promise to enhance the educational environment for students in the district. The meeting, held on May 15, 2025, focused on the final stages of a significant project aimed at improving heating systems and addressing long-standing infrastructure needs.

Committee members reviewed the scope of the project, which has evolved over time due to budget considerations. A key highlight was the planned retrofitting of heating systems at both the high school and middle school. The existing boiler room will be transformed, integrating a central heating plan that is expected to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Importantly, the plumbing will connect to the current distribution system, minimizing the need for extensive retrofitting.

While cooling systems were not part of this phase, discussions revealed that ventilation improvements at the high school are on the horizon. The committee noted that adding energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) would be essential for enhancing air quality, although this would require additional funding and planning.

The meeting also touched on the progress made in addressing the district's top infrastructure needs. Projects already completed include roof repairs and upgrades to domestic hot water systems at Union Elementary School. Future plans include addressing the septic system at Dominic Valley High School and enhancing water treatment facilities, which will provide on-demand water storage.

As the committee members reflected on the long journey to tackle these issues—some of which have been on the agenda for over five years—they expressed optimism about the progress being made. The ongoing efforts to chip away at these critical projects are not just about immediate fixes; they represent a commitment to creating a better learning environment for students now and in the future.

With a new list of priorities likely to emerge, the Finance Committee remains focused on ensuring that the district's infrastructure meets the needs of its students and staff, paving the way for a brighter educational experience.