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Eagle Point SD 9 outlines $1.5M high-school HVAC retrofit with Energy Trust incentives and ESSER funding
Summary
Consultants told the board the high school's nearly 50-year-old HVAC system is being retro-commissioned with six energy-efficiency measures; Energy Trust incentives total $587,000, the programed HVAC work is $1.5 million, ESSER will cover remaining costs, and projected annual energy savings are about $50,000.
Aaron Mueller of Insight Consulting presented a detailed retrofit plan for the high school's aging HVAC system, describing a retro-commissioning approach and six Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs) that target controls, variable-frequency drives, an energy-recovery ventilator (ERV), insulation, and chiller replacement. "With the upgrades ... we're gonna save about $50,000 a year on our energy costs," Mueller said.
Mueller told the board the high school has roughly 30 air handlers and 50 exhaust fans, many operating at 50–70% of intended airflow, and that full replacement had been estimated at $10–$12 million — unaffordable without a public bond. Instead, the team pursued targeted measures and engaged the Energy Trust of Oregon; Mueller said the district has $587,000 in Energy Trust incentives and access to SB 1149 funds, enabling $1.5 million of HVAC work. The district plans to use ESSER funds to cover remaining costs so the regular operating budget is not tapped for this package.
Key technical changes include replacing an old pneumatic zone-control system with Johnson Controls direct-digital controls (DDC), installing variable-frequency drives so fan motors no longer run at full speed continuously, replacing a failed gym ERV (a large unit arriving in October) and replacing a 150-ton modular chiller that is currently operating below capacity. Mueller said the new control system introduces classroom thermostats and CO2 sensing to modulate ventilation and that some filtration and smoke-mode protocols will be explored after the units are fully commissioned.
District staff and consultants estimated the ERV and chiller will arrive in October with a target for integration and independent commissioning completion around spring break; commissioning is a condition for final incentive release. "We're not quite there ... so realistically, we're looking at spring break-ish to be kind of fully wrapped with everything integrated and checked out," Mueller said.
The board asked about maintenance and training. Staff said the district's John Harding group will maintain equipment, spare motors have been purchased for quick replacement, and segmented training for staff and Johnson Controls technicians will occur as systems are integrated.
Next steps: completion of installations, independent commissioning to satisfy Energy Trust requirements, and final release of SB 1149 funds once requirements are met. No bond was proposed or approved at this meeting.
