The Eagle Point School District 9 held a work session on September 13, 2024, focusing on the urgent need to upgrade the aging HVAC systems in its schools. The meeting highlighted the significant challenges posed by equipment that is nearly 50 years old, with many air handlers and exhaust fans operating inefficiently and often malfunctioning.

During the session, district representatives discussed the findings of a recent assessment that revealed the HVAC systems are not performing at optimal levels. Many units were found to be pushing only 50-70% of the required airflow, leading to discomfort in classrooms and increased energy costs. The district has been using a "band-aid" approach to maintain these systems due to budget constraints, but this method has proven ineffective.

To address these issues, the district is considering a "scalpel approach" to retro-commission the existing equipment rather than a complete overhaul, which would cost between $10 million and $12 million—far beyond the district's current funding capabilities. The retro-commissioning process aims to restore the HVAC systems to their original performance levels and improve energy efficiency.

The district has engaged the Energy Trust of Oregon to assist in identifying energy efficiency measures (EEMs) that could lead to significant cost savings. The proposed upgrades are expected to save approximately $50,000 annually in energy costs. Key measures include upgrading to a direct digital control system for better zone management, installing variable frequency drives to optimize motor performance, and replacing outdated energy recovery ventilators.

Additionally, the district is exploring funding mechanisms that would allow them to manage the savings from these upgrades directly, rather than relying on external companies. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the district retains the financial benefits of improved energy efficiency while enhancing the comfort and safety of its learning environments.

As the district moves forward with these plans, it remains committed to addressing the pressing needs of its aging infrastructure while navigating the complexities of funding and implementation. The next steps will involve finalizing the energy efficiency measures and beginning the retro-commissioning process to ensure that students and staff benefit from a more reliable and efficient HVAC system.