VAN VLECK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

By the start of the 2011 school year, Van Vleck ISD was able to showcase their upgraded infrastructure. With limited capital and old buildings, VVISD was struggling to fund needed repairs. John O’Brien, Superintendent and former student of Van Vleck ISD, began looking for a unique way to upgrade the district’s infrastructure, while also reducing their energy and operational costs. After learning more about Way Engineering Service’s Performance Contracting program, O’Brien knew it was the only solution.

Sarah Roper, Principal at E. Rudd Intermediate School, explained, “We have 400 kids that use the gym with no air conditioning. Something needs to be done.” The district upgrades include heating and air conditioning for the gym, as well as 39 new units of air conditioning, a campus-wide lighting upgrade, and a new roof and windows for the high school. Before the inefficient, antiquated equipment was replaced, VVISD was scheduled to pay close to $4 million in utility bills in the next 10 years.

Superintendent John O’Brien said, “We will generate an annual savings in excess of $150,000 from this program. The program is funded entirely out of the savings that are generated which enables us to save our capital. Furthermore, we are improving the environment for our students. The decision to partner with Way Service was clear.”

Research shows that schools that are well-lit, properly ventilated, and in good repair, create a healthy and comfortable learning environment which greatly influence performance, attendance and test scores.