Schools
Redlands Unified School District Cuts Energy Costs
During the RUSD Board of Education meeting, energy management savings discussed.
The Redlands Unified School District’s Board of Education learned about the district’s energy savings during Tuesday night’s meeting.
Sherryl Avitabile, assistant superintendent of business services, and James Fotia, energy manager of business services, gave a presentation on how district employees have changed their energy consumption, and saved the district more than $400,000 over the past year.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, energy costs are second to only personnel costs in school districts.
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Fotia announced that 22 Redlands Unified School District sites earned Energy Star’s Top Performer rate. Statistics were given for some of the school sites, including Redlands High School, whose cost avoidance was $191,199 and Cope Middle School, which had a cost avoidance of $69,254.
Board member Donna West asked if vandalism was on the rise, due to lights no longer being left on overnight on campuses.
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“It makes no difference,” Fotia said. “Studies say that if a campus is dark they’ll bring their own light, and if they do, it stands out more on a dark campus.”
Redlands High School student Samuel Haws gave an update on what is going on at the high school, which is gearing up for prom, the conclusion of spring sports and graduation in May.
He announced that Block R, a group for varsity athletes, has been reinstated on campus, and members will take part in the community clean-up on April 30, with students helping beautify the area outside Terrier Gym on Redlands Boulevard.
Before the end of the meeting, it was announced that Avitabile, after 17 years with the district, will retire this year. She postponed her retirement earlier to continue to help the district as it went through more budget cuts.
“You will be missed,” said board member Neal Waner. “We really appreciate your work.”
West added, “Farewell to our security blanket.”
Avitabile’s last day will be in early August.
The next Redlands Unified School District Board of Education meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 26.
