FLATONIA, Texas – Flatonia ISD is delighted to announce that on October 10, 2011, the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) awarded $212,000
to the district to purchase new, energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The Texas Cool Schools Grant Program has
tentatively awarded $25 million in grants to 58 districts using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
Salvador Vega, Superintendent of Flatonia ISD, said, “We are so fortunate that SECO has chosen Flatonia ISD as a recipient of this grant. We want to thank the Way Companies for the research, preparation, knowledge and resources that were used to apply on our behalf. We would not be in this position without them.”
Over 400 districts applied and only 58 districts will receive funds. Grants were awarded on a competitive basis, with scoring criteria based on factors including enrollment, district property wealth, the age of current equipment and the estimated energy savings available from new equipment.
SECO explains, “Utilities represent the third-largest spending category for Texas schools, and much of this expenditure is driven by old, inefficient equipment. The Texas Cool Schools grant program is intended to help our state’s schools lower their operating costs by purchasing new and more energy efficient HVAC systems.”
Furthermore, research shows that schools that are properly ventilated create a healthy and comfortable learning environment which greatly influence performance, attendance and test scores.
About Flatonia ISD
Flatonia ISD sits in the southwestern portion of Fayette County and is home to 600 students. The district has an elementary school that spans grades PK- 6 and a secondary school for grades 7-12. A commitment to education and learning has
been one of the hallmarks of Flatonia. The City’s public school system offers a quality education and boasts an annual dropout rate well below regional and state averages.