Derry Area board approves $15.47 million guaranteed energy‑savings project

The Derry Area School District on Monday approved a guaranteed energy‑savings project and associated fees totaling $15,473,028, voting 9–0 in a roll‑call vote.

The contract covers the first phase of renovations the district described as critical to the next 20 years of operation: middle‑school HVAC upgrades (including air conditioning), replacement of the fire‑alarm panel, restroom plumbing and fixture upgrades, a new generator meant to support more than lights during outages, upgraded gymnasium bleachers and entrance security vestibules, and building‑envelope work to improve insulation.

An energy consultant presenting to the board said the HVAC portion of the savings projection increased from $352,900 to $613,877 after scope refinement, and automatic‑temperature‑control (ATC) savings at Grandview increased from $65,268 to $163,105. “That’s almost, you know, that’s almost… close to $350,000–$400,000 extra savings that we project will come as part of this phase,” the consultant said.

Superintendent and committee members told the board the district expects major mechanical installation to take place during summer months (June–August) with staged work for bathrooms and a commissioning period extending about a year after construction to validate projected savings. The district also said McClure Company will oversee the project and Mr. Petrazio was present to answer technical questions.

Board members emphasized the long‑standing need for HVAC improvements in the middle school. “We get HVAC going into the middle school. That’s something everybody had on their minds over the last few years and we’re getting it done,” one board member said during discussion.

The motion passed on a roll‑call vote recorded by the board secretary; nine members voted yes and the motion carried. The board noted final contract approval remains subject to solicitor review and the presentation of a finalized contract.