Gardner MA School Committee with First Meeting of 2023
The meeting opened with its reorganization and Jennifer Pelavin was elected Vice Chair. John Lafreniere was elected Finance Officer. Rachael Cormier was elected Secretary of the School Committee.
Wasted Energy?
Robert Schwartz noted that there were some windows open at the High School went he drove by on Sunday and that Mr. Anderson would take care of that issue with the cleaning contractor. He also stated that we may have an active and usable concession stand in the Spring as the contractors are working on the interior of the building. Schwartz also stated that he was shocked when he saw the electric bill for the Elementary School saying, “We need to turn the lights off in the daytime.”
Student Representative Amber Cameron reported on the athletic season, the success of the winter concert, the annual toy drive, and auditions for the spring musical.
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Open Windows Confirmed – These and many others were open on Weds. January 4, 1923. We have reached out to ask whether this is really the cleaning company’s fault or what else might be going on.
Windows Mystery Solved – A statement by Superintendent Mark Pellegrino
“Mr. Swartz informed us that some windows were open during non-school times, which is a drain on our resources. We have already spoken with our cleaning service director who has assured us that they are double-checking that windows are closed each night. Your pictures seem like they were taken while folks were still in the building. Many teachers open their windows to increase the fresh air flow to the room, reducing the risk of airborne transmission of viruses. While this makes the heating system work harder, it also keeps folks safer. Additionally, second and third floor rooms often get hot as the heat rises from the rooms downstairs, so they may be trying to cool off their room. In the end, we are concerned with wasting energy, but not at the expense of the safety and comfort of the learning environment while students are in the building.”