Snowline Joint Unified School District Taps Energy Efficiency to Bridge the Budget Gap
DALLAS (PRWEB) September 15, 2014 -- Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, today announced Snowline Joint Unified School District received $365,000 in approved funding as part of an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) for its first-year Proposition 39 allocation.*
“We have always been very proactive in regards to energy conservation for our district,” said Karen Winkler, Assistant Superintendent of Business for Snowline Joint USD. “From our solar initiative to partnering with Schneider Electric to plan and implement our Prop 39 strategy, incorporating energy efficient measures significantly cuts our energy costs every year — enabling us to direct more funds towards programs for our students.”
“Our Prop 39 allocation is allowing us to address a project I have wanted to accomplish for years, but never had the funding for. Without this funding, this project wouldn’t be a reality,” added Mike Schene, Director of Maintenance and Operations. “A school that is dedicated to conserving resources also creates a healthy, comfortable and productive learning environment for the students. I see it every day.”
While Snowline Joint USD has made great advances in incorporating energy efficiency measures and securing its Proposition 39 allocation, more funding is needed to help the district modernize classrooms, upgrade technology, and improve safety and security. In support of this effort, the school board voted in early August to take a $60 million bond election to the ballot in November. Winkler said the district has carefully analyzed, with citizen input, what the district needs to get done, what the students require, and how much it can afford. She added, “Our goal is to provide a 21st century learning environment for our kids — and without a bond, this effort will not be possible.”
Snowline Joint USD consists of 11 schools and Snowline Virtual School located within San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. The district’s allocation of state funds was significantly reduced during the recession, leading to a greater need for construction funds. Education leaders are experiencing cuts on a national level as demonstrated in a recent report from The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Research shows at least 35 states are providing less funding per student for the 2013-14 school years than they did before the recession hit.**
“It’s our mission to help school districts, large and small, use energy efficiency and smart funding options to get the job done,” said Jordan Lerner, Regional Director of Schneider Electric. “Snowline USD is deeply committed to the success of every student. It’s important for communities to rally around public schools like Snowline USD at this time to support classroom priorities that build the foundation for student success.”
# # #
About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructure, Industries & Machines Manufacturers, Non-residential Buildings, Data Centers & Networks and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the company’s 150,000 plus employees achieved sales of 31 billion US dollars in 2013, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.
http://www.enable.schneider-electric.com
About Snowline Joint Unified School District
The Snowline Joint Unified School District came into existence in 1982 and encompasses the communities of Wrightwood, Phelan, Pinon Hills, Baldy Mesa, Oak Hills, Oak Springs Valley, West Cajon Valley, and portions of Victorville. The district opened in 1982 with 1,589 students in grades K-12 and has grown to a current student population of over 8,500 students in grades K-12. Three of the district's elementary schools and the two middle schools have been recognized by the state as California Distinguished Schools. To learn more, visit http://www.snowlineschools.com.
About Proposition 39
The California Clean Energy Jobs Act (Prop. 39) changed the corporate income tax code and allocates projected revenue to California's General Fund and the Clean Energy Job Creation Fund for five fiscal years, beginning with fiscal year 2013-14. Under the initiative, roughly up to $550 million annually is available for appropriation by the Legislature for eligible projects to improve energy efficiency and expand clean energy generation in schools. To learn more, visit http://www.energy.ca.gov.
** Most States Funding Schools Less Than before the Recession, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, May 2014
Kathy Kim, Schneider Electric, http://www.schneider-electric.com, +1 623-824-6441, [email protected]
Share this article