Hillsborough School District completes $1.5M energy efficiency upgrades at Liberty High School

The Hillsboro School District held a significant meeting on February 25, 2025, where officials celebrated the successful completion of a major energy efficiency project at Liberty High School. The project, which involved a $1.5 million overhaul of the school's systems, was completed on time and within budget, despite initial concerns about potential disruptions during the school year.

Maya Hocking, the district's resource conservation manager, highlighted the project’s importance and the collaborative efforts of the facilities and safety department, led by Executive Director Dave Peterson. Hocking expressed gratitude for the team's relentless work throughout the project, which included upgrades to the school's control systems and the replacement of boilers to enhance energy efficiency.

Jackson McDonald from WilDan, the energy services company involved in the project, provided further details. He noted that the district would benefit from approximately $120,000 in annual energy savings as a result of the upgrades. This project is particularly noteworthy as it represents the largest energy savings initiative undertaken by WilDan for a school district.

The funding for the project was made possible through energy incentive programs, allowing the district to complete the work at no net cost to its maintenance budget. McDonald assured the board that the energy savings would be monitored closely, with performance guarantees in place to ensure the systems operate effectively.

The meeting concluded with a ceremonial presentation of a large check, symbolizing the financial benefits of the project. This initiative not only enhances the school's infrastructure but also sets a precedent for future energy-saving projects within the district.