Fuel Usage Down in Windham School District, Boilers Attributed

The Windham School District has reported a downward trend in fuel consumption, directly attributable to new boilers installed at Golden Brook School.

According to School Business Administrator Adam Steel, who spoke earlier this month on the consumption rates, the district has seen an 8.5 percent reduction for FY13. That number comes despite a winter that was 11.4 percent colder than FY12.

The new boilers at GBS produced a 42 percent reduction.

Steel said that despite the consumption reduction, the district still spent almost the exact same amount in heating fuel – around $317,000 – for FY12 and FY13.

The identical number comes from an increase in fuel costs.

Going forward, the district will continue to track the high school, which saw an increase in fuel consumption this winter.

Steel said he doesn't have any scientific evidence as to why the efficiency of WHS has worsened, but did note that the building's control systems are based on occupancy.

Board member Dennis Senibaldi asked why the district doesn't combine with the town to get better pricing. Steel said the Windham district has done that in the past with the Pelham School District, with the towns being invited to participate, but it didn't gain them much better pricing.

Bids for next year are currently out, and if bid prices are good, the tanks will be filled in August.