“If the high school controls go down. We don’t have a plan. What do you do with 11oo kids when the air conditioning goes down?” Bendele said.
by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
04-25-25
At Thursday night’s Uvalde CISD Special Board meeting, the district heard a Grade Audit Energy Services Contract presented by Schneider Electric
Uvalde CISD Chief Financial Officer Pam Bendele introduced Senior Account Executive Aaron Garcia of Schneider Electric Sustainability Business presented the audit contracted by the district last year.
According to Garcia, Schneider Electric reported on an investment grade audit identifying areas of improvements.
Goals of the audit included modernizing the campuses providing a safe learning environment, reducing deferred maintenance, maximizing utility savings and addressing all of the HVAC issues and to identify available grants.
Ryan Wunder joined Garcia with a virtual presentation. Wunder stated that a high priority for the district is the control systems that are made by various vendors that are “quite old” and need to be upgraded as these controls manage the air conditioning systems. Wunder said these controls are at a critical point. The number one energy using item within the school district is the air conditioning equipment and the controls manage these systems.
“We focus on building automation more than anything else. It’s the number one thing to protect and keep the energy bills low,” Wunder said.
Wunder mentioned the current systems are failing and parts are not available as the system is over 20 years old.
In addition to the controls, Wunder proposed an LED lighting upgrade to help reduce energy costs by up to 17% with an average annual utility and D&M savings of $199,500.
The proposed project cost is $4.1 million.
Wunder mentioned that the newer air conditioning equipment at the district is over 25 years old.
“There is significant need for electrical renovation.” Wunder said.
Responding to a comment by Gonzales about the mechanical system being at the end of its life, Bendele said, “There are lots of things at the district that are at the end of its life.”
Gonzales asked why the mechanical equipment was not being included in the proposal. Garcia said it all has to do with money and the controls and LED project is self-funding.
Wunder mentioned that with a one-time AEP rebate of $30,000 and the energy savings, the project would pay for itself. Wunder said Schneider Electric would cover the shortfall if the savings did not cover the cost of the loan.
According to discussion among the board members, the district would have to either take out a loan to cover the proposed project or the district could hold a bond election.
“If the high school controls go down. We don’t have a plan. What do you do with 11oo kids when the air conditioning goes down?” Bendele said.
Jacqulyn Gonzales brought up the age of the mechanical HVAC systems.
Wunder said the mechanical systems costs would not pay for itself quickly. Superintendent Chohlis said currently the district has been able to repair the mechanical systems.
“We need to get it done.” Chohlis said.
Garcia stated the district has $20 million dollars’ worth of work including lighting, air conditioning and controls.
