Wilmette SD 39: 2023 chiller systems started; district honors retiring facilities lead

The Wilmette School District 39 Committee of the Whole received an update on 2023 facilities projects on April 15, including the startup status of newly installed chillers and next steps for commissioning.

Mike Bickler of Nicholas and Associates told the board the goal to bring all five chillers online at four locations over spring break was met. "We did successfully do that. So those chillers are, all started," he said, adding that final commissioning, test-and-balance work and district turnover will follow once buildings move out of heating demand.

District leaders also used the facilities item to recognize Colby on his upcoming retirement. The chair listed extensive contributions attributed to Colby, including learning-commons renovations across schools, multiple classroom additions, main-office renovations, air-conditioning installations at several buildings, science-wing additions, roof and boiler replacements, secure entry projects and other life-safety and infrastructure improvements. Board members thanked him for the work and presented small tokens of appreciation.

Next steps: presenters said commissioning work will continue as buildings shift into cooling mode and that systems will be turned over to district staff after test-and-balance and final commissioning procedures are complete.