Board Members:
The normal rhythm of a school year is beginning to take shape. This week during my visits to classrooms I really began to see the hard work that goes into establishing routines and procedures pay off. Very high levels of student engagement are apparent and as I shared yesterday afternoon with our new elementary teachers, next week they can anticipate a shift to away from the beginning of the school year to high quality instruction. What I have seen so far has been very exciting!
I wanted to spend just a few minutes with you today discussing the upcoming sale of HMEU and what that might mean for the school district. As you are aware, we have invested quite a bit of capital over the last several years replacing windows, upgrading HVAC units, and installing LED lights in our elementary school. In most instances, the benefit of making these types of changes results in a substantive reduction in energy consumption, which correlates to the overall bill. Now, because I'm 'that guy' I track all of these things over time. Here is what the last 5 years have looked like:
According to an analysis completed by the city, we could realize an annual savings of more than $50,000. Granted, the operative word here is could. Yet there is no mistaking the significance of this number. But that only tells part of the story. The HMEU board has passed a resolution that no less than 50% of the proceeds would be refunded to customers. Any idea who the largest customer is? That's right, the school district. Based on calculations from the same study referenced above, the district could expect a windfall in excess of $150,000. This unanticipated income would go a long way toward paying for a new roof over the academic wing of the high school.
Enjoy the holiday weekend. I hope you all are able to do something nice!
Dr. Tony Voss, Superintendent
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