Energy savings and recycling are two ways to assure that resources are not wasted. The Sulphur Springs School District is making sure that they are doing both to support conservation efforts and save extra money whenever possible.

Vicky Myers, Assistant Superintendent, Business notes that the idea for recycling and energy savings has long been a top priority of the SSSD Board of Trustees. The district underwent a thorough energy audit in 2008 to see where money could be saved. The district began to implement energy saving ideas. All schools that have undergone remodeling have had energy saving fixtures installed. Staffs are reminded to keep doors and windows closed when the air conditioning or heating is on and to turn off lights as they leave a room. The district with the help of the students and staffs was able to save over $240,000 in electricity charges and nearly $15,000 in gas from these efforts.

This year the SSSD Board of Trustees has presented a plaque to each school site in recognition of everyone’s efforts to save energy in the 2008-09 school year. The plaques are presented during the annual School Board Meeting held at the school.

Future energy saving plans includes a survey of the tonnage of the air conditioners used in the district. Working with Southern California Edison the district is looking at a variety of plans during high peak season, July through October. One plan would have the district notified 24 hours in advance of turning off the power during peak times. For just signing up for this plan there is an estimated savings to the district of $60,000.

To ensure additional savings the water timers are checked at each school and are being used for a shorter period of time. The Business Services Office staff carefully monitors the utility bills and any spike in use is noted and checked on immediately by the Maintenance & Operations Department.