Energy Savings...

Last night the board approved the "Guaranteed Energy Savings Agreement" portion of the contract with McKinstry. This agreement will enable the district to finance up to $2 million dollars and use the money to perform energy upgrades to our schools. The money saved of our energy bill will be used to pay back the financed sum. McKinstry will guarantee that the savings are realized, and if they aren't will make up the difference. The projects will have an average simple payback time of about 10years.

This program has two primary goals. First, over the long term this will place the district in a superior financial condition, with reduced operating costs. Currently we spend over $850,000 each year on energy costs - something that is sure to rise and can be unpredictable. Second, it will reduce the "carbon footprint" of the district. The total decrease in CO2 emissions is estimated to be 2 million pounds per year. Reducing our emissions will provide a positive example for our students and community and sends the message that we can and will take positive steps toward a sustainable future.

Quite a number of students turned out as an expression of their concern for this issue, and got to witness slow motion excersize which is progress. Maury Smith (HS Math teacher) eloquently argued the environmental importance of moving forward with this issue, and Rob Everhart spoke of the need to move forward now.

The district energy budget was an issue I raised in my campaign as an important place we could make a little contribution to the budget outlook. I am pleased that we have been able to take this small step.

Garden Drumlin School

Kristi Williams presented her vision for a community supported school garden on the Glacial Drumlin grounds at today's Business Services Committee meeting. Kristi plans to connect teaching staff and community members to develop a school garden as a way to educate and provide enrichment to our middle school students. The committee has recommended to the board approval of the proposal to use the identified property for the purpose of the garden.

Interested gardeners can contact Kristi by phone at 839-4758.

More Energy Savings in our Future?

Today's Herald-Independent editorializes about the energy efficiency of the new Glacial Drumlin School and the savings that will accrue to the district. Unfortunately not all the buildings are up to the same standards. In fact several of our buildings rank near the top in Wisconsin in energy usage per square foot, even when adjusted for age.

Next Wednesday the Business Services Committee will consider recommendations for a vendor to provide Guaranteed Performance Contracts for energy upgrades around the district. In this arrangement the district finances building and energy system upgrades identified by the vendor using low interest loans or lease arrangements. These loans are paid back by the district out of the resultant savings from reduced utilities bills. The "Guaranteed" part is that the vendor will guarantee that a certain level of energy savings will be reached each year of the contract. If savings aren't met the vendor is required to make up the difference.

Next week's business services agenda can be found here.