Putnam Schools Considering Long Term Partnership For Upgrades

The Putnam County Schools will consider partnering with a Franklin company to complete a comprehensive evaluation of its building systems.

Schneider Electric works almost exclusively with school systems to evaluate everything from HVAC systems to comfort issues. Director of Schools Corby King said the company creates long-term plans for dealing with upgrades and replacements.

“They are not here just for a one year, one project,” King said. “This would be a one, three, five and 10 year plan. They would be partnering with us over the long haul of that plan.”

The school system spends over $3 million a year on utilities. According to Schneider Electric, Putnam County could save 25 percent of that annually with over $20 million in savings over 20 years. King said HVAC improvements are at the forefront of the schools needs.

“Especially on our HVAC systems and units, we are piece milling a lot of that together,” King said. “Our maintenance does an outstanding job doing that and keeping those systems functioning, but rather than having so much cost on an annual basis, if we can get some updated systems and hopefully save the school system money.”

In Schneider Electric’s proposal, it found evidence of humidity issues and water damage in gymnasium ductwork and comfort issues with windows and doors. The company guarantees savings for at least 20 years.

“If we are not getting what they project, they will also cut us a check on the back in,” King said. “I appreciate that too. They are going to stand behind what they say they can bring in savings to the district.”