Union County board approves design-phase agreement with Schneider Electric for energy and infrastructure upgrades

The Union County School Board approved a design-phase agreement with Schneider Electric Building Americas Incorporated after hearing an administration recommendation that the firm provide energy and infrastructure optimization contracting services.

The district said the design phase will run about six months and will have Schneider engineers working alongside district officials, including Mr. Haney, to co-author scopes of work focused on HVAC upgrades, building automation, lighting and security. Administration described the work as potentially increasing efficiency and producing long‑term cost savings for the district.

Ms. Meline, representing Schneider Electric, told the board the initial step is the design agreement and that the company’s team would spend several months in the district developing proposals that meet both budgetary and facilities goals. "If you all approve this tonight, our team will actually kick the design phase off later this week and we will spend the next several months designing scopes of work that meet the district's budgetary goals as well as facilities and operations goals," she said.

Board members asked questions during discussion and then voted to accept the administration recommendation. The motion was moved by Mr. Jeter and seconded by Mr. Truit; the roll call showed the motion approved.

The approval authorizes the district to begin the design phase with Schneider Electric; any later construction contracts or guaranteed‑savings arrangements would require additional board action.