With summer vacation emptying the halls of Essex Elementary School (EES), the town is using the opportunity to complete some upgrades so that it is ready for students to fill once again in the fall.

Thermomedics, a local HVAC contractor, will be handling the work of replacing two rooftop air handlers that EES Principal Jennifer Tousignant said are from the ‘90s. The new handlers, which are part of the school’s heating system, should increase efficiency and keep the building more comfortable.

Essex Finance Director Kelly Sterner said the funds were requested by the Essex Board of Education from the Essex Elementary Capital Improvement Sinking Fund. At the June 6 Special Town Meeting, the Board of Finance recommended and approved the request for these funds.

Sterner the project was approved for the amount requested, not to exceed $100,000. “My understanding is that they have gotten a couple of bids and they do anticipate it coming in below that, but it’s always smart to ask for some contingency just in case, he said.”

If they hadn’t asked for that contingency and something were to go wrong, forcing them over budget, then the process would have to be gone through all over again, which could delay the project, Sterner said.

Since the work has begun, Tousignant said there have been no delays or issues faced and the cost is coming in at approximately $74,000 as it stands currently.

The proposed timeline is to have the work completed before school starts back up in August.

“The unit has been ordered and is in the process of being made. It should be here and fully installed by Aug. 24,” said Tousignant.