HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The USD 308 School Board approved an update on the climate controls at one of the middle schools.

The board approved spending $408,444 to replace the chiller at Hutchinson Middle School – 7. The chiller is 20% more efficient than the unit it replaces.

At 36 years of age, the current unit is beyond its normal life cycle and parts are no longer made for it. HMS – 7 and its companion building – Hutchinson Middle School – 8 — were designed for air conditioning. Windows in the buildings allow for no air circulation.

Money for the planned replacement has been set aside in the district’s capital outlay budget.

Also during Monday’s meeting, the board tabled an item from the agenda that would have provided upgrades at the Salthawk Sports Complex. As bid, the final two phases would cost $392,356 and would provide turf renovation on the practice fields at the facility, which is near 23rd and Severance, and related field preparation work. The work was proposed to be done by Turf Solution, the company that did the work for Phase I of the project. Phase I renovated the playing field at the facility.