ADRIAN — Adrian Public Schools has entered into a contract with Trane, a manufacturer of HVAC equipment and an expert in building energy solutions, to lead a district-wide energy efficiency initiative that includes the replacement of the aging boiler at Adrian High School and upgrades to building envelopes across the district.

The project will be funded through the use of a school improvement bond that allows school districts to issue bonds and repay them with the energy savings captured through energy efficiencies and upgrades. This allows school districts to complete infrastructure projects without asking voters for an increase to taxes. The project represents a total investment of $5.4 million aimed at reducing energy costs, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing comfort and sustainability for students and staff, according to a news release.

By leveraging energy savings and school improvement bonds, the district will be able to complete this project without having to ask taxpayers for additional funds, superintendent Nate Parker said.

“This is part of our strategic plan for facilities,” Parker said. “The foresight to plan for the long-term care and maintenance of our facilities, through an intentional process that allocated dollars over the last nine years for projects like this, allows us to address a tremendous need without having to go to our residents for a tax increase.”

The project includes:

• Replacement of Adrian High School’s outdated boiler system, scheduled for the summer of 2026. The steam boiler will be replaced with a much more efficient hot water boiler.
• Envelope upgrades across multiple district buildings, including improvements to insulation, windows, and doors, beginning in the summer of 2025.

According to CFO Dan Pena, $1.5 million will be contributed directly from the district’s Capital Projects Fund, $3.7 million will come from school improvement bonds that are intended to be repaid using guaranteed energy savings from the upgrades, and $200,000 will come from annual payments from the district’s annual budget over the course of five years. Pena said the upgrades will not raise taxes for district residents.

By upgrading insulation, sealing leaks, and replacing one of the district’s most outdated mechanical systems, Adrian Public Schools expects significant reductions in energy usage and operational costs. These savings will not only cover the bond repayment but also contribute to a healthier and more comfortable learning environment, district officials said.

“We’re excited to launch this project,” said facility director Brandon Garland. “This work addresses both immediate infrastructure needs and long-term energy efficiency, allowing us to reinvest savings back into classrooms where they belong.”