Boyertown schools outline chiller, boiler and roof work; district weighing timing and costs

Boyertown Area School District facilities staff presented a technical overview of recurring problems with building chillers and boilers at the Sept. 23 board meeting, saying some units have long-standing defects, several are under service agreements and a multiyear replacement project at Boyertown Elementary is planned.

The district—s Director of Facilities, Mister Bramble, told the board that chillers at Middle School West and other buildings are under contract with JCI and that boilers across most buildings are under contract with 3 B Boiler. He said the chillers installed in prior projects have experienced repeated failures tied to variable-speed-drive (VSD) motor issues and other mechanical problems and that some equipment will be taken offline for repair during the off season. "At Bash Middle School West, we have chillers under contract already with JCI, and all of our boilers are under contract in all the buildings with 3 B except for Boyertown Elementary that has all electric resistance heat," Bramble said.

The overview followed a public comment by community member Scott Shield, who described warranty and service history for chillers and boilers and urged caution in timing repairs. Shield said new chillers carry a two-year warranty and…