BUCYRUS — The underground fuel tanks at Bucyrus High School served as a hot topic for discussion at the Bucyrus City Schools Board of Education meeting Thursday evening.
“I met with (maintenance coordinator) Ray (Harbolt) today on the maintenance front that is of somewhat concern, though we have an easy remedy, are our underground fuel tanks.,” BCS treasurer Ryan Cook said. “There are no leaks, so nothing along those lines, thankfully. We’re working with our current cooperative and we are getting quotes from Central Ohio Farmers Cooperative about looking into above ground tanks because there is a bit of a push.”
Cook said there are alarms and interior tanks that would test if there are leak issues with the system. He did say the leak system is supposed to hold water for approximately 60 seconds, but he believes it would only hold for approximately six seconds.
“So, it’s something that we’ve talked about for a couple years, but we just haven’t done it,” Cook said. “The last thing we want is for some juncture to leak fuel, so we’re going to begin to go through getting quotes on that.”
Cook said the district’s responsibility would be electrical and it’s in the early stages of planning.
“But it’s something we need to at least have our eye on,” he added.
Board member John Kime asked if the school would be covered if there was a leak, and Cook assured him they would be.
“We know that a portion of that is faulty, to the extent that, if there were a leak, it becomes an instantaneous problem—we won’t even have 60 seconds, correct?” board member, Adam Stone asked.
Cook said that is correct, however, he clarified that the tanks passed the beginning of the year tests with no tanks are leaking, and there is an alarm system in the event that there is a fuel leak from one of the underground tanks—it’s just time for an upgrade.
Also during the meeting, it was said Bucyrus is looking for new head football and volleyball coaches, due to the former coaches turning in their resignations. Those jobs will be posted soon.
Bucyrus Superintendent Matt Chrispin recognized Stone, Traci Wetterau and Dr. Paul Johnson for the meeting being their last on the board and thanked them for their time served—Stone served eight years, Wetterau served six years and Dr. Johnson served 12-and-a-half years.
“I will say, and I think you all agree maybe, this has been one of the most rewarding, and at the same time, the most challenging jobs I’ve ever had, including all the ones I’ve had throughout my life,” Dr. Johnson said. “I want to thank this board for all your support, and I certainly want to wish the new board the best wishes in meeting the needs of the students, and in so doing, shaping the future of Bucyrus.”