Durham Schools considers boiler replacements on three campuses
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham Public Schools is set to discuss replacing boilers at three schools as aging systems become increasingly difficult to maintain.
Hillandale Elementary School, Oak Grove Elementary School and Riverside High School all need new boilers, according to district information. The existing systems have deteriorated with age, and routine maintenance is no longer enough to keep them operating reliably.
"I think that it's a little old," DPS student Tania Patterson said.
The proposed replacements come as the average Durham school building is 59 years old. Boilers heat water or generate steam to provide heat and hot water for school buildings.
Although heating systems are not an immediate concern during the summer months, students said problems with building systems can still affect learning conditions. Patterson said issues related to heat can make it difficult for students to stay focused.
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"When we're outside, we get sweaty, so it's kind of hard to come back and just be focused when you're just hot," Patterson said.
The boiler replacement projects must be completed by the end of the year because they rely entirely on temporary federal funding that expires at the end of 2026.
Durham Public Schools will discuss the project during its Board of Education monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
