Maximizing ESSER Funds for Lasting Impact
Pine Bluff School District faced a critical facility challenge: aging HVAC systems were impacting indoor air quality, making it harder to offer a comfortable learning environment for students and staff. Initially, in June 2020, the district worked with Performance Services to explore an energy savings project, but the emergence of ESSER funding presented new opportunities—and complexities. With limited time and significant needs across multiple schools, the district needed a strategic approach to ensure these funds were used wisely.
In February 2022, after careful planning and consideration, Pine Bluff School District partnered with us to develop a solution that prioritized the learning environment’s long-term energy efficiency. The district’s leadership sought to make the most of their $12.6 million investment by focusing on the schools with the greatest need. Together, we designed a plan to modernize HVAC and Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) across all four elementary schools, significantly improving indoor air quality.
By replacing outdated systems, the Pine Bluff School District took a proactive step toward improving its facilities. Students and teachers now benefit from improved air circulation, better temperature control, and a more comfortable atmosphere in their classrooms. These upgrades not only addressed immediate concerns but also set the stage for long-term energy efficiency and operational savings.
Project Highlights
- Addition of Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) at each building to increase ventilated air and fresh air
- Correctly size and install 203 HVAC units
- Design and install building control systems at the Elementary Schools on a platform that will transition to a district-wide system to facilitate a more efficiently functioning HVAC system
- Most HVAC equipment was relocated to areas more accessible for normal servicing
