Middle school air conditioner draws complaints from neighbors

Talk about it

A new air conditioner at New Richmond Middle School is stressing the relationship between the district and area neighbors.

According to Morrie Veilleux, district administrator, the air conditioning unit emits a high-pitched whine whenever it’s operating.

The district is reviewing proposals to build a concrete enclosure that will absorb some of the sound, he said.

According to Brian Johnston, the district’s director of fiscal and building operations, the unit’s manufacturer has said the sound is normal for the unit.

“It doesn’t exceed decibel levels, but it’s such a high pitch that it just grinds on you,” he said.

Johnston said the noise is different than all the district’s other air conditioning units.

Veilleux said the school’s neighbors have been understanding and patient as the district works to correct the problem.

In other business, the board:

Approved the purchase of the student-built house for $25,000 to Charles and Kathleen Kusilek.

For the complete story, see this week's New Richmond News.

Tags: new richmond schools, new richmond, news, education