Dist. 21 wants input on air-conditioning schools

Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 will hold the first meeting of its Air Conditioning Task Force 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Gill Administration Center, 999 West Dundee Road, Wheeling.

Community members, parents, teachers, and staff members are invited to attend to learn about issues surrounding air conditioning in District 21 school buildings.

This informational meeting will include presentations from experts regarding the school calendar, financial considerations, infrastructure requirements and procedural aspects of potentially installing air conditioning. Following the meeting, attendees will be invited to submit suggestions and ideas that could be considered for implementation by the school board.

“This first informational meeting will give our community the opportunity to look at all aspects of managing warm weather in our schools,” Superintendent Kate Hyland said. “With the information presented, we will be better able to move forward and consider potential recommendations to present to the board of education.”

At the meeting, Daniel Schuler, assistant superintendent for planning, will outline the timeline for the task force, as well as highlight some preliminary data. Patricia McAndrews, assistant superintendent for human resources, will discuss the annual decision-making process for the school calendar.

Eric Olson from Arcon Associates will present air-conditioning options for the district’s buildings, and Tammie Beckwith Schallmo of PMA Securities Inc. will present on financing options for potential installation projects.