Board authorizes up to $441,440 for LED stadium lighting and controls

The Cantonville Board of Education on Feb. 18 approved a resolution authorizing a contract with Energy Optimizers to replace stadium lights with LED fixtures and install lighting controls at a cost not to exceed $441,440. The superintendent said the work will be paid from the district's permanent improvement fund and timed to coincide with planned track construction, reducing the risk of equipment damage during crane work.

The superintendent told trustees the project moves stadium illumination from roughly 30 foot-candles to a recommended 50 foot-candles for venues of the district's size, and that nearby districts (Downton, Canton Central Catholic and Beaver Local) made similar upgrades. “This is part of our permanent improvement plan, and this is something we have been looking at needing to happen,” the superintendent said during the presentation. Staff described the fixtures as LED and said the system will include app-based controls.

Board members asked whether the lights are instantaneous on/off and whether the increased illumination would affect nearby residents. Staff said the LED fixtures are focused on the field and are not expected to create the kind of spill light experienced in residential holiday displays. The district noted an additional $9,000 for the lighting control portion; staff said the control package will produce long-term energy savings and allow better scheduling and monitoring.

The board voted to approve the resolution. The motion passed following a roll call in which members recorded 'Aye.' Color-changing capability was discussed as an optional, higher-cost feature the board is not purchasing now; the superintendent said any such upgrade would be a future decision for a subsequent board and superintendent.

Next steps: staff will finalize the contract under the cooperative purchasing arrangement and schedule installation to align with track construction.