As many know, Simpson Elementary Principal Jill Steele will be retiring at the end of the school year. She is happy to know two parts of the school will see the start or their retirement at the same time.

 

Recently, the Harrison County Board of Education approved a contract to replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), along with a portion of the roof, at the old school that continues to see modern improvements.

 

“Seeing both of those approved was great. This is a project we have been looking forward to for some time,” said Steele. “We’re happy about the HVAC, but we’re extremely thrilled to see our roof replaced and completed. Knowing it has the green light is great news for the school.”

 

The project is not a cheap one. In fact, it comes with a price tag of $1,642,106. The work will be done by Ohio-based ADI. Harrison County Schools Assistant Superintendent of Transportation and Facilities Jimmy Lopez said ADI will handle the HVAC and will subcontract the roofing work to Clarksburg-based Sutter Roofing and Metal.

 

“The HVAC isn’t that bad, but when we’re updating the section of roof we have the opportunity to set new curbs (what HVAC equipment is placed on) so this is the right time,” said Lopez, who said the funds are from federal COVID dollars that the county is able to utilize.

 

As for the roof, both Steele and Lopez emphasized that it is not an entire roof replacement. Steele said it would be considered the “backside of the building,” and Lopez agreed saying “the back right” portion of the roof will be replaced.

 

“It was well past its lifetime,” said Lopez of the roof being replaced. “We had leaks in it and it was getting to the point where the material was losing integrity and even making repairs was difficult. We have been targeting needs in our facilities and this is the most high-need roof replacement job in the entire county.”

 

While getting the roof work to begin soon is good news, Lopez said there is additional good news. He said the rest of the roof is in “pretty good shape.”

 

As for when the project will begin, Steele said the warm weather months will begin the process.

 

“We look to have this started in June,” said Steele.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo is of the entrance to Simpson Elementary School, while Assistant Superintendent Jimmy Lopez is shown below.