Souhegan's Roof/HVAC Replacement Begins This Summer

Souhegan students can look forward to a new roof over their heads before they head to their high school in the fall.

Voters approved a $1.95 million bond this month to replace the roof and HVAC system in Souhegan High School’s main building. The 21-year old parts of this building’s infrastructure were past their due date for replacement, and leaking problems had worsened.

Director of Building and Grounds Jim Miner will be directing the project, which is scheduled to begin right after students leave for summer break. Miner said that he expects the work to be complete before students return for the 2013-14 school year.

He is happy to see these replacements finally scheduled, since the original roof only has a 15 year warranty. The new roof structure will have a 30 year warranty, and will also boast improved insulation materials.

A replacement HVAC system will also upgrade the buildings automation system and provide better energy efficiency to the building. Miner expects to see lower heat bills and natural gas consumption once the work is completed.

“I expect nothing but positive changes,” he said. “We are trying to take advantage of these big improvements to step us the level of technology and maximize benefit.”

Summer programs should see little disruption during the summer’s construction work, but traffic will be restricted in certain areas at times for safety reasons. Office space used during the summer will lose air conditioning support for periods of time.

Gymnasium and recreation activities should not be affected, while extended school year activities will transfer to the annex building.

SAU 39 Business Administrator Betty Shankel said that bidding for the work will begin in May. The first interest cost of $28,031 will come in FY14, with the total interest over the seven year bond at an estimated $198,031.

The tax impact of the bond, depending on the year, will be an estimated $0.15 to $0.17 per thousand of assessed value in Amherst, and $0.16 to $0.19 per thousand assessed value in Mont Vernon.