[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6292712,"mediaKeyId","2525579-af1adcb2f1f5d302107d5c8ff6dc9dc3","parentId",2525579,"title","Ogden district reports spike, says gas shock cost $500,000 in one month; pushes preventative maintenance and controls to curb bills","audioSeconds",1148,"startMs",152000,"endMs",1300000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2525579-af1adcb2f1f5d302107d5c8ff6dc9dc3&start=152&end=1300","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2525579-af1adcb2f1f5d302107d5c8ff6dc9dc3/thumbnail_152000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6292712/Utah/Ogden-district-reports-spike-says-gas-shock-cost-500000-in-one-month-pushes-preventative-maintenance-and-controls-to-curb-bills","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292712-f45df124e318088d4611fb20377fc185/orig.mp4?Expires=1770890108&Signature=chuKYlquQOpltHBubcwKRIJx7mdydmaBd0WPFR38zoxHQb~pu5zT5GacU0XVmOg2XVy723E8oQfi5JhGYi3sWJBWMsTsCKRRBjPArNZZYk9ULkJc19frxBtb7-3i0FJ65po-huJCBCxY30IBn-o9fEW~doKGSz8wIqUg88zbf6eZ2OPTe4RYD8wi~wb1bkVWGq1isDv1sSBGWpNy4rxHksXjVK2Pv--7hM0JwdfaiJZpX5unMCEZzrJonDUFcTWSlZrD~VenDOgJFGVyj1r9uQ9nf6HFtZj43ZIrTMY-NbWoeiOGOCPr6suVv9GlStgDQD1RSe-D8VNhcc5-m~AAag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ogden City School District","date","2025-03-07T14:36:19Z","article","Logan Murphy, the district construction and energy manager and certified energy manager, told the Ogden City School District board at its March work session that electricity and natural-gas costs have risen sharply in recent years and outlined steps the district is taking to limit exposure.

Murphy said nationwide electricity costs rose about 9.6% over the past three years and that Utah experienced larger increases, in part because Rocky Mountain Power requested a rate increase that could total about 30% over two years. He warned the board that volatility in the natural‑gas market produced an extreme short‑term hit to the district in January 2023: “we saw a $500,000 increase in 1 month on our natural gas bill.”

Those market conditions prompted the district to move some large facilities off month‑to‑month open‑market purchases and into negotiated block purchases with Summit Energy. Murphy said the negotiated blocks smooth cash flow: the district may pay slightly more in some months and less in others but avoids catastrophic single‑month bills. He also explained that utilities such as Dominion/Enbridge recover market losses over many months, which amplified statewide rate increases in 2023 and 2024.

Murphy gave a high‑level accounting of 2024 energy spending: roughly 52% of energy costs (about $1.7 million) were for electricity and about 31% (just over $1 million) were for natural gas; water/sewer and stormwater are other substantial line items, including about $210,000 paid annually to the city for stormwater management. He noted that some recently built schools — Liberty, Polk, Eastridge, and the Ben Lomond athletic center — are among the district’s lowest cost buildings per square foot because of newer construction, better insulation, modern mechanical equipment and, in several cases, rooftop solar.

Murphy identified the largest operational levers for savings: managing building temperature set points, preventative maintenance on boilers, pumps and filters, and smarter start/stagger controls to avoid utility demand charges. He gave concrete examples of operational costs: a typical mini fridge costs about $2 a month, a full‑size energy‑efficient refrigerator about $6 a month, classroom lighting roughly $5 a month, and a space heater $15–$50 a month depending on use. By contrast, he said, “an additional degree of heat above what our district standard set points are is 2 to $500 a month for that building.”

Murphy also described a growing utility charge type — the demand charge — which bills customers on their highest 15‑minute usage spike during a month. He warned that if the district’s night‑field lighting or other services were moved onto a rate plan that includes demand charges, a typical $300–$500 monthly power bill for a field could jump to roughly $2,000 a month. To avoid such spikes, he is working with the district’s controls contractor to stagger equipment startups and introduce buffers so multiple large pieces of equipment do not start simultaneously.

On renewable energy, Murphy said solar has reduced some exposure where the up‑front price made sense; the district sizes arrays to roughly an 80% offset of building demand to avoid overproducing energy that Rocky Mountain Power buys back at a very low rate. He said the district paused a full solar install at Hillcrest after bids for that project came in almost double other recent projects; the site was built “solar ready” so solar can be added if market conditions improve.

Board members asked about district‑campus metering and about how older buildings without building management systems are handled. Murphy said the district campus has many meters and mixed uses, so it requires additional analysis, and that older buildings rely more on custodial practice and preventive servicing because they lack the fine control of newer BMS‑equipped facilities.

Murphy closed by emphasizing preventative maintenance and better controls as the most reliable near‑term ways to reduce costs and avoid large rate shocks going forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting March 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Logan Murphy, the district construction and energy manager and certified energy manager, told the Ogden City School District board at its March work session that electricity and natural‑gas costs have risen sharply in recent years and outlined steps the district is taking to limit exposure.","taxTitle","Ogden City School District, Utah School Boards, Utah","taxId",65972,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6292707,"Hillcrest elementary on track for 2025 opening; building dried‑in and turned over by July 1 planned, school to remain 'Hillcrest'",1615,2092000,3707000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2525579-af1adcb2f1f5d302107d5c8ff6dc9dc3&start=2092&end=3707","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2525579-af1adcb2f1f5d302107d5c8ff6dc9dc3/thumbnail_2092000.jpg","/articles/6292707/Utah/Hillcrest-elementary-on-track-for-2025-opening-building-driedin-and-turned-over-by-July-1-planned-school-to-remain-Hillcrest","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292707-d8fa5235c28977ebba0ebb610f59ce44/orig.mp4?Expires=1770890108&Signature=M9R3bjQ5e4SXgDgiDopQhUSStELznQYooOodiwZtnkute81qWY~dvmdQO4h4vuwZBFToXdRyEipWy8239bD2KTs9NN4o3KYGOL49baHW22NpnUaV4Lid0zHR0Ru5bb9wuTGCtsd-PYlTB8rBuZ78GLp-2uqa0-OxpKZz7WBNkrbuUKkOFpJ-OHLvZu7t~nlZrfVEAzbIc7AF5mMr8gj1dXEjXPbJwmBE9be8g4qZbC4BPmIJVfsFN3XsNNwcQAauN-CzNCzKLPCEsZ7NrtWQreHXXI1920VgRv5lEQX2TfNpSxPJlACiTvZFXn3pg9F150jMTfJp3ZZmv~x0ujqggA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ken Crawford, the district executive director over support services and athletics, told board members the Hillcrest elementary construction project is advancing and remains on schedule for turnover to the district by July 1 so staff can move in before students arrive in 2025.

Crawford said the building envelope is closed (“the building is dried in”), carpet and millwork are installed in several wings, some interior finishes and painting are complete, asphalt is down and much of the exterior glass is in place. He reported permanent power has been connected to the building and several floors already have lighting in place. Crawford said carpet and furniture orders are being finalized with principal, special‑education and library staff; the district expects furniture installation shortly after July 8 to support staff move‑in in July and August.

The board previously decided to retain the Hillcrest name, school colors and mascot; Crawford said design tweaks were made to the logo and crest but the chosen brand remains. Crawford described programming and design features: a central courtyard with seating and a platform for small presentations, STEAM/teams labs overlooking the courtyard, large windows and vinyl graphics to mimic stained glass, teacher collaboration workspaces, a sizable media center (the district’s largest elementary media center), a gym with a dividing curtain to allow simultaneous use for lunch and PE, and four grade‑“houses” with Latin names (Terra, Aqua, Ignis, Ventus) and color themes.

On safety, Crawford described a masonry “shelter” space between every two classrooms accessible from either classroom and intended to be a secure interior shelter and storage area; exterior and classroom glazing will receive safety film per recently proposed state guidance but the final specification tied to House Bill 84 is not yet finalized. He said sliding glass doors and other glass surfaces will receive safety film after specifications are finalized.

Crawford also described cost decisions: Hillcrest was built “solar ready” after solar bids for that site came in nearly double similar recent projects; the district postponed a full solar install so panels can be added later if pricing improves. He said some masonry choices reduced costs compared with previously proposed metal paneling and actually produced multi‑million dollar savings on the building envelope scope.

Board members asked about open houses and ribbon‑cuttings; Crawford said the district will likely schedule celebratory events around August and may coordinate with back‑to‑school night. He also noted that smaller finishes — shelving depth in the media center, classroom film and furniture colors — are being finalized with school staff.

Crawford concluded that the building “looks amazing” and reiterated the target dates: turnover to the district by July 1, furniture arriving shortly after July 8, and the school opening in 2025.","Ken Crawford, the district executive director over support services and athletics, told board members the Hillcrest elementary construction project is advancing and remains on schedule for turnover to the district by July 1 so staff can move in ahead of a 2025 opening.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6292702,"Board members return from national conferences with family‑support and advocacy ideas; caution about federal policy shifts",3318,3177000,6495000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2525579-af1adcb2f1f5d302107d5c8ff6dc9dc3&start=3177&end=6495","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2525579-af1adcb2f1f5d302107d5c8ff6dc9dc3/thumbnail_3177000.jpg","/articles/6292702/Utah/Board-members-return-from-national-conferences-with-familysupport-and-advocacy-ideas-caution-about-federal-policy-shifts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292702-0efc1e3ef62284bfa6525eb9bd820b3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770890108&Signature=B5P4sCZLGuLqflN6ekfDYu9dJxSy4GHjneGAPaQS5Hl2JvjO4S~pZPOx619eut57tjDcZ9Gmbz9mc6sOyeRSb~q9vTa9htFYfC6eU0EsjRDxcfN1bkhUIzJDqycvmNjjehKYsf~0x6V-IL~gB3EAm0REGNk81z9O9-Q8abCAcKwIGA8WIVId1du8CuBZd4xIyGP7kWQLgwimcTEfLl70-9UzG8Hx4VkP6HP-42mRRKkJ5pObA6joW1cnKLky48DzG92u5f7M7Sw8yfnSH5CqIDeztZYkzFV9R-QO-ZDEazp14Q4EFc1mK8OwxVE7Gl29kciob4H3Hvzh50Rr3MiXDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several board members and district staff summarized insights from national conferences and site visits and outlined potential local follow‑ups.

Board members Amber and a colleague described participation in the School Board Partners fellowship and cohort programming, emphasizing continuing education and monthly virtual meetings to share governance practices. Stacy and others who attended the NSBA (National School Boards Association) advocacy and equity symposium and related events said they encountered intense legal and policy discussions this year and urged continued attention to federal and state policy developments, including potential changes affecting the Department of Education and related grant programs.

Multiple speakers reported a site visit to the Clark County School District Family Support Center, which provides on‑site enrollment, WIDA testing for newcomers, a small grocery‑style distribution area, medical and dental services (including a mobile dental van), legal clinics and job‑search help. A board member said the center enrolls approximately six students per day and provides wraparound services for about six months to help newcomer families get established. The delegation described the site as largely supported by Title I and city partnerships.

Stacy and other board members flagged specific federal programs and advocacy concerns that affect district services: E‑Rate (the Universal Service Fund program that subsidizes school internet connectivity), Title I funding, Medicaid/CHIP enrollment among students (board members noted about 23.6% of district students are covered by Medicaid), and IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Board members said they discussed these priorities with congressional staff during the conference, although some scheduled meetings with members of Congress did not materialize.

Conference attendees also reported on curriculum and program topics: proposals to expand career and technical education (digital business applications, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, commercial photography and digital media courses) and the prominence of AI in education. The district’s technology lead has begun policy work on AI, and board members said they expect further policy updates next month.

Several members emphasized student leadership and the value of student board members as a way to surface student perspectives and hold the board accountable. Members said they will pursue further training opportunities for student board representatives and continue advocating at the state and federal levels for funding and programs that support district needs.

Board members described the conferences as valuable both for learning and for showcasing district programs: one delegation member said Ogden’s presentation was “by far the most informative and useful” at a national session, and another noted a wide variety of legal and policy worries expressed by peers across the country.

No formal board actions resulted from the reports; members said they would follow up with staff on AI policy updates and potential local pilots for family support programming, and that advocacy work on Title I, E‑Rate and IDEA would continue.","Four Ogden board members reported takeaways from national conferences and site visits, highlighting a Clark County family support center model, concerns about federal policy changes and legal developments, and proposals to expand student leadership and AI policy work within the district.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ogden district reports spike, says gas shock cost $500,000 in one month; pushes preventative maintenance and controls to curb bills

Hillcrest elementary on track for 2025 opening; building dried‑in and turned over by July 1 planned, school to remain 'Hillcrest'

Board members return from national conferences with family‑support and advocacy ideas; caution about federal policy shifts