Lindsay Unified School District is renowned for its community-centric approach, always putting learners first. In an insightful conversation with Grant Schimelpfening, the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, we explored how the district’s informed decision-making fosters efficient and reliable energy programs for its schools and the students they serve.

Balancing Fiscal Savings and Educational Opportunities

Grant Schimelpfening highlighted the district’s dual approach to its energy programs, focusing on fiscal savings and educational benefits. “The primary goal is to get kids what they need to be successful, future-focused citizens of the world,” he explained. By redirecting funds from utilities and operations back into the classroom, the district enhances student programs and resources. Additionally, the district’s commitment to environmental care offers students visibility into sustainability efforts, creating engagement and educational opportunities around green practices.

Challenges and Innovations in Energy Management

A significant challenge for the district has been obtaining accurate data on system performance. “I know we are saving money,” Schimelpfening said, “but it’s complicated trying to determine cost avoidance with the rate increases.” Infrastructure management and optimization is also a main priority for Lindsay USD.  To address this, the district hired Ashley Baker as the dedicated energy and safety compliance specialist. Baker’s role has led to more efficient system management, including centralized HVAC control, where individual classroom adjustments are limited to three degrees. For larger adjustments, staff must consult Baker, ensuring optimal energy use.

Expansion and Upgrades: Impact on Energy Efficiency

Lindsay Unified is expanding several sites, particularly T-K and pre-K buildings, along with an 8 classroom wing at Reagan Elementary School. These upgrades often involve transitioning from portable to permanent buildings with improved HVAC and insulation, positively impacting energy management. However, Schimelpfening expressed frustration with new California Energy Commission (CEC) building codes requiring new solar installations for each new building, despite existing solar infrastructure. Moreover, potential changes by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to Net Billing Tariffs pose additional challenges.

Educational Opportunities in Renewable Energy

Despite regulatory hurdles, Schimelpfening believes the district’s energy initiatives could inspire students to explore careers in renewable energy. With a growing need for technically skilled individuals in maintenance trades, awareness of vocational and trade school pathways is crucial for the community.

Incentives and the Financial Perspective

When discussing federal and state incentives for renewable technologies, Schimelpfening mentioned the district’s interest in upgrading to new electric buses. Previous experiences with electric buses pre-COVID were less than ideal. “We did get two electric buses pre-COVID that turned out to be for lack of a better word, junk. When these new technologies work, it’s great; when they don’t, it’s not,” he noted that financial incentives are appealing but come with risks if the technology fails to deliver. “Usually, I look at it from a financial perspective. The environment is great, and I’m all about that, but for me, the financials are the biggest driver.”

Building Successful Energy Programs

Schimelpfening emphasized the importance of working with a trusted consulting partner for successful energy program implementation. “When I first started looking at solar for Lindsay Unified, the thought of doing it on my own became overwhelming, and I knew I needed help,” he shared. His advice to other districts is to conduct thorough research, build relationships with knowledgeable professionals, and trust their instincts to take calculated risks. “The reason we went with TerraVerde to manage our distributed energy programs is because we took our time to build that relationship first. We were talking to other consultants at the same time, but in the end, we trusted the team at TerraVerde, and that’s why we moved forward.”

Supplemental Insights

Lindsay Unified’s approach to energy management serves as a model for other districts navigating similar challenges. By prioritizing fiscal savings and environmental stewardship, the district demonstrates how strategic energy decisions can enhance educational outcomes. The collaboration with energy specialists and consultants underscores the importance of expertise in achieving sustainability goals.

Furthermore, the district’s expansion projects highlight the ongoing need for modernized infrastructure in education. Upgraded facilities not only improve energy efficiency but also create better learning environments for students. As Lindsay Unified continues to grow, its commitment to sustainability and student success remains at the forefront of its mission.

In the ever-evolving landscape of educational energy management, Lindsay Unified’s proactive strategies and community-focused initiatives set a benchmark for others to follow. By sharing their experiences and insights, Schimelpfening and his team provide valuable lessons in navigating the complexities of sustainable energy in schools, ultimately fostering a brighter, greener future for the next generation of learners.