The Quality Schools Grant Project for the exterior (envelope) of the High School and Middle School is nearing its final stages. This project started three years ago with the Quality Schools Planning Grant. This was a $25,000 grant. The Planning Grant provided the needed funds to provide an assessment of our district's buildings and begin initial planning for a proposed project. Upon being awarded the Planning Grant, we went right to work making application for the Project Grant for $565,000. Upon award and approval from the Montana Legislature and the Governor, today, we are finally arriving at near project completion.
The project completion will not only provide an appealing exterior, but necessary insulation and roof repair as well as window and door replacements. This couldn't come at a better time with the inflated prices of propane and the extremes of last winter. The district paid $113,000 for propane in 2013-2014. That was 44,000 gallons of fuel. Our average fuel consumption is 40,000 gallons. Estimated saving could be as much as 20% in a year. The project has not only provided a new face lift, but will help offset other funding reductions through the estimated fuel savings.
Many of our constituents have asked what the final project will look like, so I have included several three dimensional renderings from the architect.
