A Small District with Big Vision
For years, Berea Independent Schools had been forced to delay critical building improvements due to limited funding. Outdated HVAC systems, inefficient lighting, and aging infrastructure were making it harder to maintain comfort and reliability across their facilities.
In partnership with Performance Services, district leaders saw a way forward—leveraging project savings to stretch tight budgets and tackle long-overdue facility needs across multiple campuses. The District chose solutions that would improve daily life for students and staff, stretch capital dollars, and prepare the district for a more energy-efficient future.
Comprehensive Upgrades Across the District
With a total project value of $3.8 million, the district embarked on a facility-wide modernization effort, with substantial completion in Fall 2024—just in time for the start of the school year.
Key improvements include:
- Replacement of 50 water-source heat pumps, eight energy recovery units, and one rooftop HVAC unit—upgrading critical systems that were over 20 years old
- Conversion of hydronic pumping from constant speed to variable speed, improving energy efficiency
- District-wide LED lighting retrofit, both interior and exterior, for brighter, more efficient spaces
- Theater lighting upgrades, replacing an antiquated system with modern, reliable lighting for performances and events
- Significant building envelope improvements, enhancing insulation, weatherproofing, and long-term energy performance
- Roof-mounted, net-metered solar photovoltaic system, reducing utility costs and promoting sustainability
Guaranteed Savings for Long-Term Value
The project is designed not only to modernize Berea’s schools, but also to create lasting savings. The district is guaranteed to save $91,419 annually, broken down into:
- $60,600 in energy savings
- $30,819 in operational savings
These guaranteed savings stretch the impact of limited capital funds—enabling the district to achieve more improvements without placing additional burden on taxpayers.
This project is more than infrastructure—it’s a reinvestment in the student experience. Classrooms will be brighter, more comfortable, and easier to maintain. Theater spaces will be performance-ready. And the new solar system puts Berea on the map as a district committed to sustainability and smart planning. District leaders proved that even small districts can make bold, future-ready decisions that benefit students today—and for decades to come.
