The City Council and Board of Education toured city school buildings today to see firsthand the improvements that have been made as part of the $8.5 million school energy conservation initiative.
Avoca Elementary School, Vance Middle School, and Tennessee High School were all visited to see the improved educational environment resulting from the new lighting, HVAC, computerized control systems, windows, and other improvements resulting from the project. The day started at Fairmount Elementary School which was a great reminder of how important it is to have top-notch school buildings - and the new Fairmount Elementary certainly didn't and doesn't disappoint.
The energy conservation project is funded with a combination of $5,088,000 in grant and loan funds from the Tennessee Energy Efficient Schools Council and $3,500,000 in general obligation bond proceeds.
The energy conservation measures will significantly reduce operating expenses while improving the learning environment in the schools. Saving in energy expenses through a performance based contract provides the resources to pay the debt associated with the improvements.
Six school buildings are being upgraded with the project now approximately 90% complete.
The participants also enjoyed a great lunch at Tennessee High prepared by the advanced culinary arts students under the direction of Chef Almaroad. I hear that it concluded with Crème brûlée for dessert ........ I guess that will teach me for leaving early. peace
