Pencil and Paper

March 7, 2023 

Dear Henry-Senachwine Parents, Guardians, and Staff:

The following is an update regarding the Henry-Senachwine Grade and Junior High School HVAC project and the asbestos abatement that is required at HSGS/JH before the HVAC project begins.  

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Project (HVAC) at HSGS/JH:

The Henry-Senachwine School District made the decision to move forward with an HVAC project at HSGS/JH, which will be completed in two phases.  Phase 1 of the project will begin at the end of this school year and is anticipated to be completed at the end of this summer.  Phase 1 will include HVAC upgrades to the HSGS/JH gym and the primary wing.  Phase 2 of the project will begin at the end of the next 2023-24 school year and is anticipated to be completed at the end of the 2024 summer.  Phase 2 will include HVAC upgrades to the central HVAC plant, middle wing, north wing, lobby, cafeteria, locker rooms, library, and music rooms.  

The availability of around $1 million in federal funding for the HVAC project made the decision to move forward possible.  The HSGS/JH HVAC project is estimated to cost approximately $4.2 million and will be funded using available federal funding, District fund reserve balances, and additional financing options.

Asbestos Abatement Project at HSGS/JH:

At HSGS/JH, pipe insulation containing asbestos has been identified in the tunnels under the school building and floor tile containing asbestos has been identified in a HSGS/JH cafeteria storage closet. This asbestos does not present an exposure hazard to students or staff, but is required to be removed before work on the HVAC project can begin. 

Please be advised that this asbestos abatement project at Henry-Senachwine Grade & Junior High School, 201 Richard Street, Henry, Illinois 61537, is scheduled to be conducted from April 10, 2023 to May 22, 2023.  The removal of asbestos will be done after the students have been dismissed from school and are not in the building.  The project will involve the removal of accessible asbestos identified in the pipe insulation located in the school tunnels and in the floor tile of the cafeteria storage closet.  Illinois Department of Health licensed workers who are trained and accredited to perform asbestos abatement in Illinois will complete the project.  If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Dr. Michael Miller, Superintendent at 309-364-3614.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Miller
Superintendent