The Bradley County Schools are launching a $16.2 million energy-saving project.
The school system announced Monday it has entered into an agreement with Energy Systems Group for an energy performance contract with a guarantee written into the contract.
The project will address aging HVAC, plumbing, windows and upgrade lighting, occupancy sensors, and digital HVAC controls. Officials said it will be paid for through current operations funds already within the school system. If the project does not meet the engineered projections annually, then ESG would pay the difference as per the guarantee.
Director of Bradley County Schools Dr. Linda Cash said, “This is a chance for our students, teachers, and staff to have a more comfortable environment for teaching and learning. I am excited for the project to get started. All of our schools will be touched by this project, which means students will benefit for years to come.”
Bradley Board of Education Chairman Chris Turner said, “It has taken great teamwork with our county government to get this project across the finish line. I’m so excited about the improvement this will make for students and teachers all across the county while saving the taxpayers significant money every year.
“Our building maintenance program has been severely limited for many years and this project represents an opportunity to catch up and address many of the needs we have in our school system while saving money.”
Nicholas Lillios, 3rd District school board, said, “I am very pleased with the efforts our staff and director have made to secure a workable and financially feasible plan. The fact that this is being accomplished through savings in the school system’s operating budget and does not involve a property tax increase is outstanding.
“For four years I have addressed the issue of aging school buildings and the need to invest in improvements. I’m proud to say that this will now be accomplished. Our schools will be cleaner, safer, and more comfortable for our kids for years to come.”
Amanda Lee, 6th District board member, said, “It’s not every day that you have a project that benefits all of our stakeholders. The energy program is going to provide much-needed upgrades to our buildings at no cost to Bradley County Schools. I am excited that we can use the money saved through this project to have a positive impact on our children in the classroom. I appreciate all of the hard work on behalf of our Energy Manager Johnny Mull, who has worked extremely hard to see this project come to fruition.”
Mr. Mull, said, “Finally. This has been a dream of mine for at least 10 years knowing the impact in would make in the classroom for our teachers and students, our maintenance staff, our environment and indoor air quality. This will certainly have a wow factor and will be something we are all proud of. I’m excited and ready to see the project through to completion.”
Mr. Mull was selected as the Southeastern United States Energy Manager of the Year in 2001 and will be presented the 2016 Educator of the Year Award by the Tennessee Environmental Health Association in September.
The project will begin in about a month and the tentative completion date is late August 2017.