Nashua aldermen approve nearly 10 million in bonds

NASHUA With very little discussion, aldermen on Wednesday authorized two bonds totaling nearly $10 million for a slew of school improvements.

With a vote of 12-3, the board passed a $7.5 million bond to renovate Sunset Heights Elementary School. And, with a unanimous vote, the board passed a separate $2,150,000 bond for roof replacements at several city schools, in addition to gym floor renovations at both high schools.

The majority of work at Sunset Heights Elementary School includes significant HVAC improvements, along with other building renovations.

The school district is in the process of improving all of the HVAC systems at each of the citys schools. Broad Street Elementary School is nearly completed with its renovations, and the Sunset Heights school is next on the list for HVAC updates.

Sunset Heights principal Philip Schappler said previously that the district is also hoping to improve the schools security by relocating its main office next to the front door, and constructing a vestibule to enter the main building.

Other work includes a newly paved fire road to allow emergency vehicles better access around the perimeter of the building, and replacing original windows with energy efficient windows.

Schappler anticipates that building work will begin next summer, and would likely continue into the upcoming school year. A temporary classroom may need to be set up in the schools gym while renovations are ongoing, he said earlier.

The $7.5 million bond will be sold in late fiscal year 2015 for a 20-year term. The estimated interest rate is about 4 percent, for a total cost of $10.6 million over the 20 years, which includes interest. City officials anticipate the average annual payment of the bond to be about $532,500 beginning next year.

Voting against the proposal were aldermen Paul Chasse, Dan Moriarty and David Schoneman.

The separate $2.1 million bond will pay for new roofing at Dr. Crisp Elementary School, New Searles Elementary School, Elm Street Middle School, Fairgrounds Middle School and the districts plant operations facility.

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Nashua aldermen approve nearly 10 million in bonds