School District Finds Ways to Save on Maintenance Costs

Despite the massive snowfalls and colder winter season, the has managed to keep overtime at a reasonable level and save on utility costs, according to a school official.

Erin Green, director of business services, said in a report that the district's buildings and grounds department, “runs a tight ship on the use of overtime, and manages to keep the parking lots, roadways and sidewalks in excellent shape without excessive overtime in the winter season.”

So far the district has spent $78,561 less in utilities than this same time last year. In 2010 the district also experienced a decrease in utility costs from the 2009 year.

Green credited savings to the new solar thermal systems for hot water at the high school and the pool. The district has also seen the use of natural gas substantially fall the past three years.

The district recently received in January for the improved learning environments and energy conservation.

For the past three years the district has budgeted $200,000 annually for the maintenance of facilities. Roofing costs were about $150,000 for the 2010-2011 school year. The costs are part of a 25-year roofing plan that the district has implemented for a commitment maintaining the buildings.

A fund was established last year to account for the high school construction project.

"Fund 49 was implemented last year to account for the GHS construction project," said Green in a report. "All revenues received from the construction bonds and all construction expenses flowed through this fund. The interest earnings for these funds were $661,000. The interest earnings have paid the cost of items not in the budget, such as fixtures, telephone systems, and furniture and equipment."