Timberlane board approves next lease phase after EEI energy-savings report

The Timberlane Regional School District school board unanimously approved a plan to enter the next lease phase and access remaining lease funds after a presentation on district energy upgrades and projected savings.

EEI, the district’s energy consultant, told the board the contractor has completed three of five planned phases of equipment upgrades, including LED lighting retrofits, air-handler replacements at the high school, and replacement of aging boilers. “Our conservative energy savings are a $108,000 annually,” Mike Davey of EEI said, adding the district could expect an additional roughly $43,000 a year in operations and maintenance savings. "So far, we're a $151,000 in annual savings," he said.

The board’s vote implements the option labeled “Pathway 1” in the materials presented by district staff, which would roll remaining projects into the next lease phase rather than staging them over multiple smaller lease draws. Board member Jack moved the motion; Don seconded. The board approved the motion unanimously.

Why it matters: Approving Pathway 1 lets the district contract for a larger group of deferred facilities work at the current lease interest rate and capture energy- and maintenance-related savings sooner, according to board discussion. Board members cited the district’s measurement-and-verification program for controls as a way to increase savings beyond EEI’s conservative estimate; Dr. Martin said that the district will receive monthly report cards that flag equipment running when buildings are unoccupied.

What will be funded: Administrators said the Capital Improvement Program list for fiscal 2027 that will be presented to the budget committee includes four projects that the board asked staff to prioritize: high-school bathroom upgrades (estimated $500,000), a sprinkler system for Sandown North (estimated $650,000), new vanities/fixtures/sinks at Pollard School (estimated $100,000), and an envelope project at the high school (an estimate listed in the packet as $500,000). The lease materials also show $9,804,150 identified as remaining in the lease pool and $296,043.45 labeled as available to attach to projects.

Board members and staff emphasized that while EEI’s contracted work and the district’s building automation system produce equipment-side savings, the largest additional savings will come from operational changes: “The best way to save energy is actually not this great equipment, but it's shutting that equipment off when the building is unoccupied,” EEI’s Chris said during the presentation.

Next steps: District staff will present the lease appropriation to the budget committee and incorporate the board’s direction on which projects to include in the next lease phase. Administrators also said they will continue measuring and verifying performance and will offer training on the building control system to facilities staff to maximize savings. The board did not set an exact construction schedule at the meeting.

Votes and formal action: Motion to adopt Pathway 1 (enter phase 4 of the lease and access remaining lease funds) — moved by Jack; seconded by Don; outcome: approved (unanimous).