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DeSoto school board hears third-quarter energy report showing higher usage and costs
Summary
District facilities official Jonathan Hodges told the board that third-quarter energy usage rose and costs increased after adding Granada High School; he cited figures for quarter usage, total district square footage and a per-square-foot cost increase.
Jonathan Hodges, presenting the DeSoto County School District’s third-quarter energy report for July through September 2025, told the school board the district’s energy use and costs were up compared with prior reporting.
Hodges said third-quarter usage was reported verbally as “2,277,047” (units not specified in the presentation excerpt) and noted the figure includes the new Granada High School. He said the district now accounts for roughly 5,117,000 square feet of facilities and that the average spend for the quarter was about $0.33 per square foot. Hodges also reported an average temperature of 81 degrees during the quarter and described the period as “extremely dry,” both of which he said contributed to elevated energy use.
Board members asked questions and thanked Hodges for the breakdown; the presenter described a pie-chart breakdown by school level (elementary, middle, high school, and other district facilities) and noted increases were driven in part by energy prices and operational needs such as heating and cooling. Hodges reiterated that the new high school contributed to the district’s higher total area and usage.
The board did not take formal policy action during the report; members said they would continue to monitor energy costs so dollars can remain focused on classrooms and staff.
