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The estimated $1.5 million energy improvement program would address everything from bathroom toilets and sinks at Maple Valley Elementary, to heating problems in the high school.

"We found we have significant savings to be made in energy conservation," said school district Superintendent Martha Essenmacher.

On a 5-2 vote last week, the Board of Education selected Johnson Controls of Plymouth to coordinate the program, over a second firm, Midwest Energy of Indiana. The two companies were finalists from a list of four firms that conducted energy audits on the district's buildings.

The board must still negotiate a performance contract with Johnson, which would include rolling the company's fee of 12% of the project cost into the financing package, Essenmacher said.

Johnson Controls, a large engineering firm that specializes in energy conservation in buildings, has projected the district would save $94,000 a year - enough to pay for the improvements without impacting the general fund, said the superintendent..

The board's maintenance committee is expected to meet with the company this week to determine the scope of the project, set priorities, and discuss financing.

The board may decide to scale back the project, eliminating items that might be needed, such as roof repairs at Maple Valley, but which would not impact the "bottom line" with dollar savings, the goal of the project, Essenmacher explained.

Board members are considering three methods of financing: a federal QZAB loan, which would offer a low interest rate of 1.5 to 2%; a conventional loan; or a voter-approved bond issue.

The first choice is the QZAB loan, but it's uncertain if the district qualifies for it, said Essenmacher. She also noted that passing a bond issue would be "very difficult."

"The biggest savings will come from lights, (switching) to a much more efficient...full spectrum (lighting system)" in all three buildings Ð elementary, middle and high school, Essenmacher explained.

Significant savings are also projected by replacing "old equipment" in the elementary school bathrooms by installing new low-flush toilets and urinals, and aerators in sinks to reduce water consumption. Repairs also are needed on the 35-year-old rooftop air circulation units at Maple Valley.

Problems with the high school hot water heating system need to be addressed before winter, said Essenamcher. She said heating coils freeze and break, causing steam and water to flood classrooms.

The performance contract is expected to include guarantees by Johnson Controls that the district would realize specific financial savings with the project.