District recommends replacing aging boiler with mini-splits; proposes broadening GED credit-by-proficiency

The superintendent recommended replacing the old boiler system at Cape Hill Junior-Senior High School with mini-split heat/conditioning units across classrooms and large spaces, citing recurring failures and a four-week period without heat during the past winter. He estimated the retrofit and decommissioning could be completed this summer for about $269,000 including a modest overage and said bids are already in hand.

"I'm estimating right now that we can do that with a little bit of an overage for $269,000 this summer," he said. The plan would install roughly 26 mini-splits across the building (including gym and cafeteria coverage) rather than investing in full boiler replacement given the age and condition of the system.

On academic policy, the superintendent asked the board to approve changing the districts credit-by-proficiency award for GED testing. The district has been awarding one credit per passed GED test but staff recommended aligning with comparable districts that assign more credits (Eagle Point and others were cited as awarding up to nine total credits for GED tests that match course content). "I'm asking the board to change the amount of credits we're giving our GED to match what other districts are doing in the state," the superintendent said. Staff emphasized credits would only be granted after students demonstrate proficiency via proctored, normed tests and recommended an effective date in the fall to allow a clean start.