DeKalb CUSD 428 reported substantial energy savings from a districtwide digital controls upgrade that was paid for with federal ESSER funds and offset in part by ComEd rebates.

Tammy Carson, the district’s director of facility and safety operations, told the Board of Education the project—implemented beginning in September 2021 and completed in November 2022—focused on software and control upgrades rather than major equipment replacements. “It originally cost 2 point, almost $2,100,000. Fortunately again, it was all ESSER funds,” Carson said.

Carson said the system allows remote management of HVAC settings, integrates occupancy sensors and links event calendars so heating and cooling operate by room schedules rather than manual overrides. The automation reduced unnecessary runtime at large or irregularly used facilities such as the high school. “We anticipated saving $280,000 a year. We’re currently on track for a 4.6 years of ROI,” Carson said, adding that the district has recorded approximately $932,000 in cumulative savings to date—about $233,000 more than originally projected.

Board members asked clarifying questions about month-to-month differences across buildings. Carson said some older buildings likely were running more often than necessary before the controls were added and that automating schedules and calendars produced the biggest gains.

Carson noted that the project depended on staff training and calendar management: building users and office staff must tie rooms to events for the system to function as intended. She said rebates from the local utility, ComEd, reduced net costs and freed district funds for other uses.

Carson recommended the board receive an annual update and said the district will continue to realize savings after the initial investment payback. The board did not take further action; the presentation was informational.