ONALASKA - Focusing on energy conservation has saved the Onalaska School District $1 million in four years, officials said Tuesday. A 2005 community survey that identified energy efficiency as a priority led to the district-wide effort to reduce gas, electricity and water consumption, Superintendent John Burnett said. "Part of it is being good stewards with tax dollars and spending that money on classes rather than watching it go up the smokestack," Burnett said. "I think people appreciate that." The school district partnered with Texas-based Energy Education Inc. for training, software and consultation in October 2006, said Doug Hauser, district energy manager.
Changes at the district's five schools have included reduced run times on heating and air conditioning, turning lights off before and after classes and on weekends, and having all staff shut down their computers, Hauser said. Their efforts have put Onalaska in Energy Education's top 10 percent of schools nationwide, Hauser said. "I think everyone realizes when it comes to school funding today, budgets are very, very tight," Burnett said. "Anytime (a school district) can find additional funds ... it makes a difference."
The district is nearing the end of a five-year operating referendum voters approved in2006. The school board is expected Monday to approve a February referendum vote to again exceed its state revenue cap, Burnett said.
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