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Elizabethtown board approves full geothermal HVAC for East High Elementary in 6–3 vote
Summary
The Elizabethtown Area School District board voted 6–3 to proceed with a full geothermal HVAC system for East High Elementary, citing long‑term energy and maintenance savings; members who opposed the plan urged retaining a cash cushion and favored a smaller replacement option.
The Elizabethtown Area School District board voted 6–3 to direct Quandell Energy Services to proceed with a full, classroom‑level geothermal HVAC installation at East High Elementary.
The motion, made by facilities committee chair Mr. Gillis, won approval after more than an hour of discussion about long‑term energy savings, tax credits and the district’s obligation to spend bond interest earnings before a June 2027 deadline. Mr. Gillis said the proposal would reduce operating and maintenance costs and provide a longer lifespan than conventional HVAC, arguing the committee “should put the right system in it now and then not touch anything again in East High HVAC for at least 30 more years.”
Supporters pointed to lifecycle estimates and federal tax credits cited in the contractor’s proposal. Treasurer Strickler summarized staff figures presented to the board: a like‑for‑like replacement option was listed at roughly $900,000; a partial geothermal option near $5,000,000 before tax credits; and a full geothermal package at about $6,500,000 before tax credits, with possible tax credits discussed on the order of $1.3M–$1.725M. Strickler said the bond proceeds available and the timeline for spending interest earned on the bond constrained how the district could use the funds.
Opponents urged caution. Missus Lindemuth, a board member who voted no, said she was “not in favor of going full geothermal” and preferred a smaller geothermal plus heat‑pump option to leave some principal available for other projects. Another board member who opposed the motion said they were “loathed to spend it all on this…crazy expensive” option and recommended leaving a cushion for future, unforeseen needs.
The board’s roll call recorded votes of yes from Gillis, Regalman, Schrum, Yoder, Bazarian and Carter; no votes from Missus Lindemuth, Mister Lindemuth and Missus Wilson. By board direction, the contractor will return with a detailed cost proposal and financing specifics and staff will report back on next steps.
The decision follows earlier discussion of the district’s broader building plans and the use of bond proceeds for capital work. The motion authorizes proceeding with the full geothermal option as proposed by Quandell Energy Services; final contract terms and formal contractor authorization remain subject to the follow‑up cost and scope report to the board.
