District Going Green to Save Some Green

Recently, our school board took proactive steps to reduce the amount of money we spend on utilities by adopting a policy stating the priority of energy conservation and entering into a partnership with Cenergistic.

The firm received the Partner of the Year/Sustained Excellence award in 2011, 2012 and 2013 from the Environ-mental Protection Agency and was named Energy Star partner of the year for 2009 and 2010.

For 26 years, Cenergistic has helped school districts and other educational organizations nation-wide reduce energy consumption, allowing funds to stay where we need them – in the classroom.

I cannot stress enough how critical this energy program is to our school district. Ultimately, the success of our energy program will enable us to save jobs, including teach-ing positions, as well as important programs.

1. This energy program does not require us to increase our utility budget, purchase new energy equipment or upgrade our existing equipment.

2. It is financially risk-free.

3. It will not impact the comfort of our students or educators.

4. This is an organizational behavior-based energy program and will require complete cooperation and participation from each of us to be successful.

This is not a short-term “green project.” It’s a comprehensive, rigorous and sustainable energy pro-gram to help us save money for years to come The program will require each of us to change some habits affecting how we use our energy resources in each building, school, office and classroom. I need and expect your full support.

You will soon receive additional information as we prepare to launch our energy program. The school board and district leader-ship are excited at the opportunity this energy program will provide us to save significant money during these very challenging economic times, while doing something very positive for the environment.

Dr. Donald Gill

Measure B

If you have not heard the good news yet, I am pleased to inform you that Measure B, the bond measure to renovate Antioch High School, was approved by the voters who reside within the School Facilities Improvement District by a vote of 61.55%.  This strong statement of public support for Antioch High School and its feeder elementary and middle schools is greatly appreciated and will serve our students well for decades to come. 

It was an honor to work with the many community members, parents, students, and District employees who volunteered their time in support of Measure B.  They donated many hours of service during the evenings and on weekends calling upon registered voters to encourage them to vote “Yes” on Measure B. The unwavering support of these volunteers played a key role in the successful passage of Measure B.

Bids will be open for architects to submit their design plans for the project later this week. As this multi-year journey unfolds, the entire Antioch Unified School District community will be kept abreast of our progress.

We are very thankful and appreciative to the voters within the School Facilities Improvement District who generously entrusted our District with their hard earned tax dollars as an investment in our students and their future.  

Thanks,

Donald Gill