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White Salmon Schools
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One of our major projects this summer has been that of retrofitting all lights in all buildings throughout the district. Seven years ago I worked with Jeff Johnson, who tragically died a couple of years ago in a bicycle accident, to possibly retrofit the lights in our district. However, at that time, we had no funding source available to do that kind of project so nothing occurred. We now have a funding source available so are moving forward. Last year's levy had $30,000 set aside each year for two years to help with the maintenance and operations costs of the Park Center Building after the City of White Salmon returned the building to the district. That money, coupled with the funds we receive from other tenants in the building, would have covered the maintenance costs of the building, thereby costing the district no out-of-pocket expenses. Since the passage of the levy, The Insitu Group has leased a major portion of the building and all maintenance and operations costs are now covered in full. Therefore, the $30,000 set aside to cover these costs is available for other uses. In being a good steward of the district's funds and very cognizant of levy proceeds, the School Board decided to put this money to good use. Jim Mansfield, at the annual WAMOA conference, spent time with a vendor who retrofits lights. This initial discussion has transpired into the company, EnergyWise, working on this project. All lights will be retrofitted at Columbia High School, Henkle Middle School, Whitson Elementary School, the Preschool, and the Transportation and Maintenance Center. The total cost of this project is $160,738.64. HOWEVER, the Klickitat County PUD has a Commercial Lighting Program in effect. That program will give us a $110,048 REBATE, thereby costing the district $50,690.64. The company doing the retrofit (EnergyWise) is giving us a further deal. They are asking us to pay 50% now ($25,345.32) and the other 50% next summer. The annual estimated savings by retrofitting the lights is $24,914. Therefore, the savings should theoretically cover the 50% payment due the second year. We are putting the levy proceeds to excellent use. We should see almost $25,000 in savings every year in our electric bill! My only hope is that the project is completed by the time school starts. EnergyWise began the project on Friday, July 28, and anticipates its 10 workers will complete the job in ten days! July 2006 |
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White
Salmon Valley SchoolDistrict 405-17
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Retrofitting Lights 
