Energy Education saves Meridian Public Schools thousands

By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
March 27, 2003
Meridian public schools saved more than $129,000 in 2002, thanks to a program designed to conserve energy at all city schools.
The program, called the Energy Education Program, began in January 2002.
It requires administrators and custodians to avoid overusing energy. Teachers now turn off everything that uses electricity including computers, fans and air conditioners when they leave for the day.
The program's goals are to maintain comfort in occupied areas, minimize energy waste and save money. The program tracks cost and consumption of electricity and gas.
The savings were determined by comparing energy use in 2001 to energy use in 2002. The money will remain in the school district's general fund budget for programs and maintenance.
McLin said the money "will go to help the children."
Carroll Lewis, who works part-time as energy manager educator for the Meridian Public School District, said teachers should use as much energy as they need while teaching students.
The Meridian school district hired an energy consulting firm in Texas, Energy Education, for four years at a cost of $63,000 a year. The district also spent $5,000 on computer software for the program.
And the district is paying $12,000 to Lewis for his work as energy manager. Lewis' money is in addition to his salary as a teacher at Ross Collins Career &Technical Center.
Lewis said some of Mississippi's larger public school districts, including Hattiesburg, Jackson and Tupelo, are using the same energy education program and consultant as Meridian.
Carver Middle School Secretary Rita Flint said she turns off the school's heat or air conditioner every day before she leaves.