School tours were provided to several Warren County commissioners Tuesday.
The county’s Education Committee first met at the middle school to inspect Energy Savings Group upgrades, followed by a tour of Bobby Ray Elementary to examine the progress of a renovation and expansion project by FTM Contracting.
“We’re pleased with the work by ESG,” said WCMS principal Gerald Tidwell.
ESG is making improvements system-wide. Energy-saving upgrades conducted at the middle school include LED lighting upgrades, improved weatherization, HVAC replacement, ventilation installation to improve air quality, and school drop ceilings.
According to Director of Schools Bobby Cox, the plan to lower the school system’s annual $1.6 million energy bill is working better than estimated.
“Last month, we saved $13,445,” he said. “On average, we are at about $15,300 a month. Our projected savings for the construction year, which runs through next April, would be $158,452. If we keep on the pace, we’ll save $183,606 which is $25,154 above what the project is. That’s without any controls in or anything like that. This is solely lighting and behavior changes, like upping the temperature on off hours and weekends and times when we’re not onsite. Once we get the controls in that should improve even more. It’s a huge savings.”
Commissioners approved the $9.2 million project to address district-wide building needs and make them more energy efficient. ESG promised the energy savings would more than pay for the expense or the business would make up the difference.
Committee members then traveled to Bobby Ray for a tour of that ongoing project. The previous expansion completion was estimated for the end of last month.
Cox says the project is behind schedule, “The date was supposed to be Aug. 29, but now should be in the next couple of weeks from what I am told.”
The school’s expansion will add a new visitor’s entrance/ main office and will act as a connector to improve school safety. Prior to the expansion, children had to exit one building to enter another.
Once the project is complete, the only building that cannot be accessed from within is the gymnasium.
Bobby Ray principal Monti Hillis expressed appreciation for the improved safety of the students and offered her wish for the future.
“Now, if we can get the gym connected to the rest of the school …,” said Hillis, in the direction of Cox.
Cox replied, “We’re working on it. One project at a time.”
Commissioners spent one hour touring both schools.
