EAST PALESTINE, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Development’s Advance Energy Fund awarded $1.36 million to support energy efficiency upgrades for the East Palestine City School District.
The project, which has already started, will upgrade LED lighting and modernize the automation system in the school buildings, which includes improved air quality and real-time analytics to manage energy use and extend the life of the system.
The improvements are projected to cut energy use by more than 7,000 MMBtu annually – a 72% reduction – and save the district $111,000 in annual utility costs.
Gardiner, an Ohio-based building technology company, worked with East Palestine schools on the grant application and is managing the project. Improvements are slated for the elementary, middle, high school and board of education offices.
“Time is critical for our students and our schools,” said Superintendent James Rook. “We weren’t going to let this opportunity sit on a shelf. With Gardiner’s help, we were ready to act – and within days of the award, we were already moving forward.”
After the Norfolk Southern train derailment in 2023 and other challenges, the school district is working to invest in the future.
“Our team knew this was more than an energy project – it was about helping to move forward,” said David Smith, who heads up Gardiner’s efforts in K-12 districts across the state. “We’re proud to be part of a partnership that is making a difference right now.”
The Advance Energy Fund has awarded more than $17 million in competitive grants to schools, municipalities and organizations across the state since its inception. East Palestine was one of four school districts and 10 organizations across the state to receive funding this year, all with the aim of achieving at least 15% in energy savings.
Pictured at top: East Palestine High School.