‘I hope that other shoe doesn’t drop,’ piping within HVAC system to be replaced at Lincoln-Douglas Elementary after only seven years

December 19, 2024 | By Emma Dalke, MRN Content Creator

QUINCY — The Quincy School Board received some bad news regarding the HVAC system at Lincoln-Douglas Elementary School.

The new HVAC piping replacement at Lincoln-Douglas Elementary School was approved, but the building’s aluminum piping must be switched to copper.

Board members expressed concern the school would not be able to stay open if the temperatures fall below zero.

“We are going to continue this process to find out where there was a flaw, what exactly transpired to cause this system to be replaced in its seventh year… in its infancy stage,” Board Member Jim Whitfield said during the meeting. “This should not be happening. We are going to work hard to find out what happened and hopefully have a very positive resolution. I hope that other shoe doesn’t drop”

The tax levy, the amount of money the school district certifies to be raised from local property taxes, was approved. Although the exact equalized assessed value (EAV) is still to be finalized, the district has estimated a 10 percent increase in the EAV, although the county predicts the increase will be closer to 7.5 percent to 8 percent, meaning the district’s tax rate will likely be around $3.88 per $100 of assessed value—six cents lower than last year’s rate.

Damion Dodd was approved as a new member of the School Board. He fills Richard McNay’s vacancy and Dodd is running for the seat in April. He was also appointed Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

Damion Dodd being sworn in by Board Attorney Jeff Terry at Tuesday nights meeting

“I was on the Buildings and Grounds Committee already,” said Dodd. “It seemed like a good opportunity to do something I was already educated in.”

Superintendent Todd Pettit also highlighted a few notable accomplishments in the district, including a performance by the Quincy High School String Ensemble at the board office and a generous donation by the Quincy Noon Kiwanis Club, which provided gifts to all first graders in the district. Additionally, Evelyn Morrison was recognized with the Spirit and Pride award for her nearly 25 years of service to the district. Morrison, who taught math for 17 years, has spent the last 5 and a half years as the director of the Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center (QAVTC).