Schools

Shaker Schools Approves Energy Conservation Agreements

District's schools will undergo various projects to save costs on energy consumption

Aside from , the Shaker Heights Board of Education made some critical decisions at its most recent meeting.

The board approved agreements for the installation of various energy services at its schools that are designed to cut costs for the foreseeable future. The measures are related to Ohio House Bill 264, which allows districts to make energy efficiency improvements to their facility, using the cost savings to pay for the modifications.

The Ohio Schools Facilities Commission approved 's involvement in the program in late June.

The districts' projects will include retrofitting lighting fixtures throughout the district, installing new fixtures, steam traps, energy controls and chillers at the .

Superintendent Mark Freeman said he didn't know a specific timeline for the improvements to be complete.

"Most of the work can still be done when school's in operation," he said. "We want to get this done as soon as possible."

The improvements won't be cheap. The board also passed a resolution providing for the issuance and sale of $2.37 million in notes to pay for the installations and remodeling associated with the energy conservation project.

The resolution states that the bonds are to be dated Nov. 1 and should bear interest at the estimated rate of 3.5 percent per year. They're payable on a semi-annual basis until the principal amount is paid, according to the district. The bonds are estimated to mature in 15 principal installments, with the first installment of interest estimated to be paid on June 1, 2013. The first principal installment is estimated to be paid on Dec. 1, 2014.

As part of the OSFC's approval, Shaker Schools will have to annually update a report that documents reductions in energy consumption and the cost savings that have resulted.

The district awarded contracts to several companies for the work. Among the most expensive are ones for United Resource Group and Palmer Conservation Consulting. United will execute lighting work for nearly $543,000, while Palmer will do building controls for just under $590,000. Westlake-based Architectural Vision Group is serving as the project manager. It will receive $134,151 for its services.

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