Flower Hill's Capital Needs Eyed
Flower Hill School opened in September 1954 and while it's in very good condition, the building will need some work over the next few years so it can continue serving the community for many more decades.
Huntington School District officials have developed a list of possible capital projects at Flower Hill through the 2015/16 school year. In the past two years, district voters have approved $240,000 worth of projects at Flower Hill, including replacement on the in-ground fuel storage tank ($215,000), installation of building access controls ($10,000) and replacement of the school's security system ($15,000). The fuel oil tank replacement project came in far below the budgeted amount when it was completed for $113,500, saving the district more than $100,000.
The district annually updates its five-year capital plan, affixing an estimated price tag to each project. The prospective work at Flower Hill would address specific indoor and outdoor needs at the site. Projects are identified in the most recent "facility estimated expenses form," which was finalized in October.
Future possible work includes replacement of exterior windows ($40,000) to solve glazing problems, asbestos floor tile replacement ($34,000), replacement of the school roof ($650,000), installation of new interior doors and related hardware ($112,000), replacement of stage area wiring ($22,000), installation of ceramic wall tile in a Flower Hill bathroom and replacement of the school's stage curtain ($52,000), lintel replacement and mortar joint repairs ($40,000) and accessibility improvements related to the Americans with Disabilities Act ($1,100,000).
Huntington has been making improvements to each of its eight buildings for many years, utilizing surplus budget monies through a capital reserve fund authorized by voters. This practice has helped eliminate the need for borrowing and for subsequent interest expenses. Residents must approved proposed projects during a public vote prior to any work commencing.