businesses for apprenticeships, the district helps maintain the regional infrastructure.“We see students move directly into apprenticeships where they earn a living wage while continuing their education,” Peters observes. MODERNIZING INFRASTRUCTURE AND EFFICIENCY Peters manages the district’s facilities with a focus on operational longevity and cost reduction. “Our $420,000 investment in LED lighting, completed in partnership with Energy Harness, has already yielded substantial returns,” Peters says, noting that the district realized $227,000 in energy savings during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Improving energy performance allows the administration to redirect capital toward modernization projects like the ongoing elementary school renovation. “We are effectively bringing 1974 infrastructure up to 2025 standards with new windows, doors, and energyefficient HVAC units,” Jameson explains. Jameson says that these mechanical upgrades directly impact the student experience by ensuring consistent air quality and temperature control throughout the year. Maintaining a fleet of 45 buses is a logistical priority that requires precise capital planning. “A single new bus requires an investment of approximately $150,000, so we maintain a rigorous replacement cycle to keep our fleet among the best in Indiana,” 208 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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