Energy costs a concern for school system

Superintendant Dr. Ron Saunders recently ordered an energy audit to determine where the school system could trim costs.

At last week’s work session, assistant superintendant of facilities Jake Grant reported that the school system spends a substantial amount of money to operate appliances in classrooms. Currently, appliances ranging from sewing machines to ionic breezes are found in Barrow County schools. Grant said the results of his study indicated it costs approximately $107,000 per year to operate the 427 microwaves, 551 refrigerators, 216 coffee pots and other electrical devices found in the classrooms.

While there is no plan to limit the use of these items currently, Saunders said he wanted the board to have the information.

The board is also reviewing the system’s policy regarding the use of school facilities and the rental rates currently charged.

Grant said the current policy may need to be revised to reflect what actual costs are.

Currently, electricity costs an average of eight cents per kilowatt hour. Grant said costs are expected to rise as high as 23 cents per kilowatt hour in the next two to three years.

“We have to look at keeping what we charge in line with what it costs us,” he said.

In other business, the board:

• placed the Barrow County Schools Comprehensive System Improvement Plan (CSIP) on the table for the next 30 days. The CSIP is approved annually by the Barrow County Board of Education. Principals and assistant principals then use the CSIP to develop their School Improvement Plans (SIP) with input from faculty and staff. The plan is updated each year with new goals and data developed through input from teachers, students, administrators, Board members, parents, and community stakeholders.

• approved the new gifted student program policy changes.

• authorized the superintendant to establish maximum class sizes at the maximum limits allowed by law in order to retain flexibility in high school class sizes.

• approved the job description of the newly hired family engagement specialist.

• certified that all accounts for the labor, material and services used in the construction of Auburn Elementary School have been paid in full.

• recognized Robyn Allen, Karen Hooker and Leigh Sears for graduating from the Rising Stars Leadership Program.

• Recognized County Line Elementary School for their summer language partnership program.

• announced the receipt of $817,600 in SPLOST revenue for the month of June, an increase of almost $65,000 from the previous month.

• reviewed progress for the capital building program. Assistant superintendent of facilities Jake Grant said construction is substantially complete at Apalachee High School and Winder Barrow High School. Dr. Saunders praised Grant and his staff for their hard work in completing nearly $70 million worth of construction in a 12 to 18 month time period.