New HVAC System Coming To Orchard Middle School

SOLON, OH — Orchard Middle School is getting a new HVAC system this summer, as the Solon Schools prepare for all students to return to in-person education in 2021 and 2022.

The district awarded a $223,000 contract to Cavalry Mechanical to upgrade the school’s library and offices HVAC system. Work will begin at the end of the school year and should be completed before the start of the 2021-2022 school year in August.

“This was a necessary thing that we needed to upgrade some of the ventilation systems,” said Superintendent Fred Bolden during Monday’s Board of Education meeting. He noted that as more students return to school buildings, “we need to make sure all our ventilation systems are up to spec. This project will move that along.”

The current HVAC system is nearing the end of its life, a district official told Patch. Crews have been dedicating increasing time to maintenance of the system.

The new HVAC system will improve efficiency and effectiveness in the main office area, the library and media center and adjacent learning spaces, a district spokesperson said.

The contract to Cavalry Mechanical was approved unanimously by the Solon Board of Education during its Monday meeting.

A Solon Schools spokesperson said the district recently completed a COVID-19-influenced evaluation of all HVAC systems in the district. Here’s their full statement: