The Jackson Public Schools administration presented details of two facility modernization projects at the Oct. 15 board meeting: a districtwide security camera solution developed with Schneider Electric and a comprehensive installation and energy‑savings contract with Path Company LLC for approximately $20.8 million in capital improvements.

Chief facilities staff explained the Schneider Electric Phase 2 effort will implement a fixed‑price, turnkey districtwide camera system with newer Wi‑Fi‑based cameras and integrated monitoring. Administration said the system will offer increased operational functionality — real‑time access for building staff, easier incident downloads, and features not available in older, siloed camera systems.

Mister Burke (administration facilities lead) said the Phase 1 data‑center renovations previously approved are complete, and Phase 2 expands security coverage. He stated the current contract covers permanent structures and that portable classrooms will require additional camera layout adjustments; the administration does not anticipate a significant contract change to include those portables.

Mister Burke also presented an energy performance contracting package with Path Company LLC that includes an installation contract of $20,800,000 and an energy‑savings contract with a 20‑year guarantee of measurable savings. The administration described the program scope as lighting, plumbing (toilets and fixtures), roofs and windows, and future HVAC modernization, paid back over time from demonstrated utility savings.

Board members asked for clarification about the savings model. Administration said the guaranteed annual project benefits are conservative; projected annual savings are roughly under $1 million and will fund debt service for the work. If savings fall short of the guaranteed level, the contractor’s guarantee will cover the shortfall under the contract terms, administration said.

The facilities presentation also emphasized operational benefits beyond direct savings: centralized management, reduced time and cost for repairs, elimination of legacy alarm costs and improved campus monitoring to enable more proactive responses to incidents.

Administration said projects were prioritized for schools with the greatest infrastructure need and strongest potential energy savings; other schools will be phased in under subsequent agreements. The contracts were brought to the board for approval as part of the meeting's information/action items.