EAST PALESTINE — Less than two months after East Palestine City School District snagged over a million dollars in grant money to support energy efficiency projects, the district announced that the project is already under way.

At the beginning of May, the district was awarded $1,363,533 of $8.5 million in grant money to support energy efficiency projects in eight counties across the state. The funds were a part of the AEF’s third round of funding.

The district will use the grant “to upgrade building automation systems, and complete LED lighting retrofits at the elementary school, middle school, high school, and board of education.”

“Time is critical for our students and our schools,” said Superintendent James Rook in a press release. “We weren’t going to let this opportunity sit on a shelf. With Gardiner’s help, we were ready to act–and within days of the award, we were already moving forward.”

Last month, the BOE agreed to allow Gardiner Building Technologies to provide design-build services for the project. Rook explained Gardiner Building Technologies partnered with the school to write and apply for the grant. The district said that Gardiner, a trusted Ohio-based building technology company and preferred Ohio Schools Council partner, is managing the project and that their experience with complex building systems and state energy programs helped the district move quickly from award to implementation.

According to the district, East Palestine’s proposal was selected based on its potential for energy savings, as well as the district’s urgent need following recent community challenges. The upgrades include a complete LED lighting retrofit and modernized Building Automation System (BAS) across the district’s facilities. Together, the improvements are projected to cut energy use by more than 7,000 MMBtu annually — equivalent to a 72% reduction — and save the district over $111,000 per year in utility costs.

The energy efficiency project includes:

— Comprehensive BAS upgrades to improve comfort, air quality, and control across all buildings.

— A full district-wide LED lighting retrofit for energy savings and improved lighting conditions.

— Real-time building analytics tools that help manage energy use and extend system life.

The press release called the upgrades and “the district’s proactive approach” evidence of “its commitment to providing a better, healthier learning environment while being fiscally responsible in the wake of economic and environmental challenges.”

“Following the 2023 train derailment that placed East Palestine in national headlines, the community has worked tirelessly to invest in its future,” the press release added. “With 100% of the student population eligible for free meals and limited resources for infrastructure investment, securing outside funding was critical.”

Gardiner views its collaboration with the district as a way to do its part in helping the village move past the events of Feb. 3, 2023.

“Our team knew this was more than an energy project — it was about helping a community move forward,” said David Smith, who heads up Gardiner’s efforts in K-12 districts across the state. “We’re proud to be part of a partnership that’s making a difference right now.”

East Palestine Schools was one of nine organizations across eight counties receiving awards in the latest round for energy efficiency retrofits, LED lighting, chillers and windows and doors.

Since its inception, the AEF has awarded more than $17 million in competitive grants to help drive meaningful energy and cost savings in local communities. For more information about the AEF grant program, visit development.ohio.gov.