Hartland to replace Fieldhouse domestic hot‑water boiler after controller failure

Hartland Consolidated Schools facilities staff told the Board of Education Oct. 20 that the Fieldhouse domestic hot‑water boiler sustained a control‑board failure and cannot be repaired with available parts, prompting a recommendation to replace the unit.

Staff said the boiler is original to the building (about 22 years old) and had initially looked like a simple element failure; when maintenance attempted a repair, the control board failed. Vendors contacted for quotes returned two proposals; staff recommended the lower quote and said the new unit is a special order with a lead time of several weeks.

The presenter clarified the boiler provides hot water for showers, sinks and concessions, not primary space heating, and that code requires a replacement sized to serve existing locker‑room fixtures. The district plans to winterize the Fieldhouse while ordering the replacement so work can proceed in time for spring athletics; the presenter said the cost will come from the maintenance capital account.

Board members asked about mineral content and how it affects equipment lifespan; facilities staff said domestic water mineral content contributes to element and component wear. Staff said a modern replacement will be more efficient than the original but that efficiency gains are modest for this application.

Provenance: The boiler failure and replacement recommendation were presented and discussed beginning at the fieldhouse item introduction (transcript block starting at 4721.335) and concluding with cost and funding clarifications (transcript block starting at 4988.25).