Energy-saving upgrades are coming to Valparaiso Community Schools. The school board voted Thursday to seek proposals for work outlined in the district's energy management plan.
That includes LED lighting in seven of the district's buildings, upgrading heating and cooling controls at Thomas Jefferson Middle School and installing solar panels at the Thomas Jefferson elementary and middle school campus. "The costs will be covered by federal government rebates and programs, utility rebates, energy cost savings, and/or grant proceeds," explained Chief Financial Officer Jim Holifield.
School officials hope to award a bid in June, with work taking place over the following year.
Superintendent Dr. Jim McCall said the upgrades are just the first phase of a long-term process. "This is really going to be change for the next generation," McCall said.
Future plans include recalibrating systems to better match usage and installing solar panels at other buildings during roofing projects.