Turning out the lights

Another group of employees seeking to make a difference with our available resources is our Facilities Department.

In April 2009, we raised the summer set point from 74 to 75 degrees. Statistics show that for each degree the set point is raised or lowered the potential savings is 2-3% of the schools energy usage.

Our proactive power management program involving Dominion Power's Schedule 132 also has been very successful. This is how the time-of-use schedule (132) is intended to be used. It reduces Dominion Power’s peak load on peak days, and it reduces our consumption significantly. On the cooling days that Dominion Power determined were peak demand days they would notify us, usually less than 12 hours in advance. We would then send a mass e-mail to all high schools and those middle schools that were on the schedule 132, informing them that we would be raising their set point from 75 degrees to 78 degrees. That change would last from 11 a.m. until 9 pm.

These are the reductions in usage we experienced from the schedule 132 conservation measures.
- June 2008 - August 2008 total kwh usage at (20) schools currently qualifying for 132 was: 11,968,000 kwh ($1,303,753 )
- June- 2009-August 2009 total kwh usage at (20) schools currently qualifying for 132 was 9,34400 kwh ($961,688)
According to our Energy Management Dept., that translated into an overall reduction in usage of 1,106,312 kwh for those 20 schools. That’s equivalent to $342,065.

In addition, Mike Evans began a team cleaning concept that completes cleaning by zones. The lights, and if necessary, heat or air are provided only for the zone being cleaned. Once that zone is cleaned the lights and air are turned off and the process is repeated as the team moves to the next zone. We do not have the impact on energy usage for this practice at this time, but anticipate that it will be significant.

As we look at next year’s budget, Facilities has shared that we also can find substantial savings by eliminating all personal electrical devices that may be in classrooms and offices. By eliminating lights, refrigerators and microwaves, we believe we can save between $400,000 and $500,000 in energy savings.

Thank you to our Facilities staff for working to help conserve energy and thus save money!

The Virginia Index of Performance Awards

Virginia last week honored 32 Chesterfield schools and the school division with Virginia Index of Performance awards, with 12 of those schools winning the highest honor, the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence.

Chesterfield schools earning the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence are Bettie Weaver Elementary, Bon Air Elementary, Elizabeth Scott Elementary, Evergreen Elementary, Gordon Elementary, Midlothian High, Midlothian Middle, Robious Elementary, Swift Creek Elementary, Swift Creek Middle, Winterpock Elementary and Woolridge Elementary. Statewide, 153 schools won this award. The Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence was first given in 2008, and three Chesterfield schools have won every year: Gordon Elementary, Swift Creek Elementary and Midlothian Middle.

To qualify for the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, schools must meet all state and federal achievement benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and achieve goals for elementary reading, enrollment in Algebra I by eighth grade, enrollment in college-level courses, high school graduation, attainment of advanced diplomas, increased attainment of career and industry certifications and participation in the Virginia Preschool Initiative. Schools and school divisions also earn bonus points for other performance measures, including the Governor’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Scorecard.

Fifteen Chesterfield schools earned the next highest award, the Board of Education Excellence Award: Alberta Smith Elementary, Beulah Elementary, Clover Hill Elementary, Crenshaw Elementary, Ecoff Elementary, Enon Elementary, Gates Elementary, Grange Hall Elementary, Greenfield Elementary, Harrowgate Elementary, Providence Elementary, Reams Road Elementary, Spring Run Elementary, Watkins Elementary and Wells Elementary. Statewide, 288 schools won this award.

Five Chesterfield schools and Chesterfield County Public Schools as a whole earned the next award, the Board of Education Competence to Excellence Award: Bailey Bridge Middle, Curtis Elementary, Cosby High, Hening Elementary and Jacobs Road Elementary. Statewide, 281 schools and 17 school divisions won this award.

How about a round of applause for these administrators and these schools!