A Vision for Optimal Learning Environments
In the heart of Blytheville, Arkansas, the Blytheville School District serves over 2,900 students from PreK to 12th grade. Committed to providing an optimal learning environment, the district recognized challenges with aging HVAC systems, inconsistent temperatures, and high humidity levels affecting indoor air quality. Determined to enhance the comfort and well-being of its students and staff, the district embarked on a mission to upgrade its facilities.
In the summer of 2021, after conducting a thorough indoor air quality assessment with Performance Services, the district initiated a comprehensive project to address these issues. This ESSER-funded project included replacing outdated HVAC units at the Middle School, installing new Dedicated Outside Air System (DOAS) units to improve fresh air and ventilation, and upgrading restroom facilities with touchless faucets and flush valves to promote hygiene. Additionally, a new control system was implemented to allow for better monitoring and management of temperature, humidity, and ventilation, with the capability for remote access and scheduling.
After a successful first phase, the district sought additional phases to continue enhancing its facilities. The District sought Performance Services to design and implement a project to improve classroom lighting levels. This phase II project included district-wide LED lighting upgrades. Utilizing the savings generated from the LED lighting project, the District completed some pressing HVAC work at the high school to ensure an optimal learning environment for students and staff. The project also included parking lot lighting at the baseball field and track lighting at their elementary track. During the project, Blytheville received a grant for EV charging stations. Performance Services installed those owner-furnished EVs at the Bus Service Center.
In May of 2023, the District learned they had additional ESSER II funding that was set to expire later that year. Given the speed needed to meet funding deadlines, the District embarked on a phase III project. Additional HVAC work was performed at the high school to replace failing rooftop units and provide appropriate ventilation to the areas served.
These improvements were completed by the fall of 2024, resulting in a transformed learning environment. The upgraded systems provided consistent comfort, better air quality, and optimal lighting levels, reflecting the district’s dedication to the success of its students and staff.
Project Highlights
- Remove and replace 250 existing restroom faucets throughout the district with new battery-powered touchless faucets.
- Remove and replace 337 existing restroom toilet flush valves throughout the district with new battery-powered touchless flush valves.
- Remove and replace 51 HVAC units at the Middle School that have reached the end of their useful life (15 years).
- Install 4 new Dedicated Outside Air System (DOAS) Units to provide the appropriate amount of ventilation to the spaces.
- Provide and install a new controls system for the new HVAC equipment at the Middle School to better monitor and control the space temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
- This will also allow the district to remotely monitor, control, and schedule the operation of the HVAC units in the Middle School.
- District-wide LED lighting upgrade
- Replace fourteen ground package units with ventilation capabilities at the High School
- Install networked HVAC controls, capable of managing temperature, humidity, and ventilation
- Replace eleven rooftop HVAC units capable of fully ventilating the spaces served at the High School
- Replace four wall package HVAC units with three vertical classroom HVAC units with ventilation capabilities on the second floor of the High School
- Provide and install new controls for the new HVAC equipment at the High School
- Install sporting lighting at the Elementary school track
- Install owner-furnished EV charging stations at the Bus Service Center
