District awarded for combining building upgrades, learning

TONGANOXIE, KS — Tonganoxie Unified School District 464 has been awarded the Trane Energy Efficiency Leader in Education Award for bringing sustainable building upgrades into the classroom, according to a press release.

According to the release, the district last year began a $2.1 million energy and facility improvement campaign last year and engaged students in the process by implementing the Trane BTU Crew™ energy efficiency curriculum.

Under the curriculum, sixth-graders conducted an energy audit of the school and worked to get the community and local legislators involved in the improvement process, the release stated.

Superintendent Kyle Hayden said: "It''s been gratifying to complete energy saving improvements that benefit students and teachers while providing our students with a hands-on learning experience. We’ve sent a powerful message to our students about the importance of sustainability."

Upgrades to district buildings included improving temperature and acoustic comfort and indoor air quality while reducing the energy and maintenance expenses of the schools, the release noted.

Keven Ward, education facilities consultant at Trane, will present the award on March 10 at Tonganoxie Middle School, the release added.