SIMI VALLEY : Company to Replace Furnaces at Schools

An Agoura Hills architecture firm has agreed to replace 12 heating units in Simi Valley schools that the gas company refused to service, school officials said.

Board members of the Simi Valley Unified School District on Tuesday approved an agreement with Kal Porter & Associates to replace the furnaces.

The heating units, part of a $4.9-million school bond project, were installed last summer in various schools’ multiuse rooms and kitchens, in addition to a home economics room at Simi Valley High School and a shower and locker room at Valley View Junior High School.

Although the units were approved by the office of the state architect, Southern California Gas Co. representatives decided in August that they would not ignite or service the “direct-fired” furnaces, saying they were inappropriate for school use, Deputy Supt. Mary Beth Wolford said. Instead, the gas company suggested that vented furnaces be used.

After months of discussion, it was agreed that the furnaces will be replaced at no cost to the district, Wolford said.

The work is expected to be completed in March.

Gary Walker, president of Gary Walker & Associates Consulting Engineers, the Simi Valley firm that chose the original heaters, said replacement costs are being worked out between his company and Kal Porter & Associates. Walker estimates that the new units will cost $150,000.

Representatives of Kal Porter declined to comment Wednesday.

In the meantime, gas company officials agreed to turn on the existing furnaces Thursday.

Walker’s firm will monitor the units by remote device to ensure that they are working properly.