The Final Word

Speaking Up on Sustainability

Mark Altmayer
CFO
Huntley CSD 158

As Chief Financial Officer at my District…

I have an overarching goal of safeguarding the assets of the District. That said, I have a passionate goal that the district remains sustainable to meet the needs of the students and community and to be the most operationally efficient district in the State, because maximizing revenues, minimizing expenses and providing more opportunities for our students should be our top priorities. 

What is the biggest struggle school districts deal with when it comes to sustainability?

Sustainability starts with the simple concept of energy savings, setting a goal and working towards that goal. Sustainability is not just solar, geothermal or electric buses. Sustainability should be considered a mindset to reduce energy cost. Since 2010, Huntley CSD 158 has reduced its energy cost from approximately $2.4 million to $700,000 per year. In 2010, the District set a goal to reduce energy cost and to be Energy Star® rated. Over the last 15 years, we have changed out lighting to LED, installed occupancy sensors in all spaces, enhanced systems to modify airflow when spaces are unoccupied and investigated every opportunity to save and minimize energy usage. After years of projects and focus on reducing energy, we were able to reduce our cost by approximately $1.1 million  per year. It was at that time, in 2020, that we flipped the switch on solar followed by propane and electric buses; those projects which truly identify us as being a “green” district.

What should school districts be aware of to help improve their sustainability efforts?

For all sorts of energy savings projects, there are numerous funding opportunities to help offset some of the upfront capital costs associated with “going green.” Funding sources such as the Inflationary Reduction Act, the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program and the local utility provider’s rebate program, such as ComEd’s Electric Bus and Charger Rebate Program are available.  

How can school districts stay ahead in "going green"?  

The first step toward streamlining expenses and creating a greener future, where tax dollars are saved and energy bills are reduced is to simply start somewhere. Set a goal to become Energy Star® rated, meet with an ESCO or partner with local utility strategic energy management groups. Small, effective changes in the practice of sustainability can reduce cost as well as engage today’s learners and tomorrow’s leaders – our students.