District energy use edges up as new high school and HVAC work change consumption patterns

Mr. Johnson, who presented the district’s January–March 2026 energy report, said the district spent about $22,000 more on energy than in the same quarter a year earlier, attributing the increase primarily to new construction and an additional roughly 215,000 square feet brought online with a new high school. "A vast majority of that is because the additions and the brand new high school," he said.

He noted one bright spot at Central High, where quarterly energy costs dropped by about $11,000 after recent HVAC unit replacements. "Central High actually went down $11,000 over the quarter," Mr. Johnson said, adding the school made targeted unit replacements that appear to have reduced consumption.

Mr. Johnson described several ongoing equipment projects: roughly 90% of HVAC equipment at Olive Branch Middle was being replaced with a projected mechanical completion date around July 15; Hope Sullivan was receiving a near-complete (about 95%) replacement including the cafeteria kitchen; and main office HVAC replacements were underway at Center Hill Middle, Lewisburg Intermediate and Lake Corner High. He said those projects should be completed in time for the upcoming school year.

The presenter also reminded the board that warmer average temperatures raise cooling costs and that winter weather disruptions had required some buildings to run continuously during cold spells to prevent burst pipes. He said staff will monitor the sites that showed the largest improvements to model potential savings for other schools.

The board asked clarifying questions about timing and expected savings; Mr. Johnson said the next report should provide clearer before-and-after comparisons for recently replaced units. The board did not take formal action on the energy report.