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OTHS presents energy assessment; board to consider master facilities planning contract
Summary
Superintendent described HVAC automation issues, potential solar locations and an FGM Architects master facilities planning proposal; the board was asked to consider the planning contract later in the agenda.
Superintendent Dr. Shackleford told the O'Fallon Township High School District 203 Board of Education that an energy assessment completed for district facilities identified aging controls at Millburn, ongoing HVAC replacement needs and potential savings from upgrades and solar.
Dr. Shackleford said Millburn's building-automation system dates to about 2009 and that controllers and other components are prone to repeat failures. The equipment is functional but lacks modern visibility and scheduling features; an updated automation system would allow optimized sequences of operation and set points, reducing energy waste and improving reliability.
Dr. Shackleford presented a rough cost estimate for addressing the Millburn automation issue and other measures: an approximate base investment of $250,000 with estimated savings of about $700,000 over 20 years (roughly $25,000–$30,000 per year), caveats applied. He described work already under way to replace lighting and some HVAC units and said a fuller energy-assessment report remains in progress.
Solar options were discussed as two broad approaches: a system purchase (upfront capital cost, greater long-term savings and control) or a power-purchase agreement (low or no upfront cost, lower long-term revenue capture). Possible locations identified included underused northern field space at Millburn and roof or carport locations at the Smiley campus; carports and rooftop installations raise maintenance and access considerations.
Dr. Shackleford outlined a proposed master facilities planning project by FGM Architects that would include stakeholder surveys, staff interviews, facility tours, systems and structural assessments, rough cost estimates and a Facility Condition Index. The district aims to complete the assessment by December 2025 and sought board authorization later in the meeting to proceed with FGM for master planning.
Facilities committee updates at the meeting referenced follow-up items: a city representative, Jeff Taylor of the City of O'Fallon, discussed a possible sale of property on Oak Hill School Road; Snyder Electric — present for solar discussions — will return with a proposal; and inspections for storm-related damage to HVAC units are underway.
No final contract or budget allocation for automation upgrades or solar was approved at this discussion; Dr. Shackleford characterized the figures as early estimates and said more detailed cost proposals and assessments will follow.
