Operations & Facilities

FHS is receiving a 2020 Bond-funded update, taking inefficient boilers offline and replacing them with high efficiency condensing boilers. In addition to efficiency upgrades, the new system will be scaled to appropriately meet the needs of the FHS building. A mechanical engineer assessment calculated that the existing plant was oversized, producing nearly twice the necessary output. These new boilers are rated at 96% efficiency vs. the old ones which were field tested at approximately 75% efficiency. The resulting carbon dioxide emissions savings, at the high school alone, is equivalent to consuming 20,391 gallons of regular gasoline. Similar reductions are expected at other buildings, as FECC and UHS will both be receiving boiler replacements next spring, following TCEC’s boiler replacement and building renewal this past summer.

Watch for our infographic explaining environmental impacts in the next issue of Local: the Community Education Magazine!

The Grant building, current home to the Tri-County Educational Center, was updated with a new boiler system, high-efficiency HVAC, and a roof improvement this summer. The interior also saw improvements, with new electrical, lighting, and flooring installed throughout.

Ferndale Upper Elementary School (FUEL) was recently improved with a new secure vestibule, to provide a higher level of security in our buildings. All visitors will now be buzzed into the first set of doors and required to pass through the office for screening before entering the building. The improvement also included high efficiency lighting and a more inviting, contemporary aesthetic. These improvements were made with bond funds at no tax rate increase.

Our building has been improved with a new health room (including a private bathroom). This addition was part of the summer Bond-funded construction, which also beautified our reception area and added a secure vestibule to our entryway. Visitors can now be routed directly to the reception area before entering the rest of the building. This multi-stage, remotely locked system includes nearly impenetrable SchoolGuard Glass for state of the art security.

The FECC Staff room was improved with new fixtures and furniture. We are so happy to share this comfortable new space with our staff, the lifeblood of everything we do here. 

The motor room was also improved, so that our developing students have a safe and comfortable place to practice movement skills.

Have you been into our renovated buildings recently? Over the summer of 2021, bond funds allowed us to make some major improvements. The hard to spot features include a brand new roof and high-efficiency temperature control units in all classrooms. Other features are much more obvious.

Classrooms have new lighting, ceiling tiles, and flooring. Hallways and lockers have been improved as well, and water bottle filling stations were installed.

Our gymnasium was restored over the summer, complete with stylish new bathrooms.

The FUEL Cafeteria was renovated over the summer, from floor to ceiling.