February 5, 2024 -- In 2023, Vestavia Hills City Schools received funds from the Alabama Lieutenant Governor’s K-12 Capital Grant Program and the Advancement and Technology Funds. In collaboration with our local partner, Schneider Electric, VHCS is strategically utilizing these funds to enhance the modernization, comfort, and efficiency of our schools and facilities.

This not only results in significant savings to the school system's annual budget, but also reduces VHCS operational costs by more than $640,000 each year. The upgrades have been carefully planned and executed in a specific order to maximize funding and ensure the next steps are financially covered.

Previous Upgrades (2022 to present)

• Brighten classrooms and increase campus safety through interior and exterior LED lighting upgrades at Vestavia Hills High School
• Enhance indoor air comfort with mechanical rooftop unit replacements at East Elementary
• Replace existing chiller and cooling tower at Vestavia Hills High School to provide reliable cooling and comfort
• Building upgrades at Pizitz Middle School (pre-2022)
• Implement a smart building automation system to control comfort and efficiency at Vestavia Hills High School
• Address capital plan with a new roof on 2 buildings of East Elementary

Beginning February 2024

• Brighten classrooms and increase campus safety through interior and exterior LED lighting upgrades at Cahaba Heights ES, Dolly Ridge ES, East ES, Liberty Park ES, West ES, Liberty Park MS, and Freshman Campus
• Occupancy sensors to ensure lights are not left on when spaces are unoccupied at the above campuses
• Continue expansion of smart building automation system implementation to control comfort and efficiency at Liberty Park Elementary School 
• Water conservation/submetering at Vestavia Hills High School to detect leaks and sewer charges to the irrigation system and cooling tower
  Emergency egress/life safety upgrades to bring current lighting systems up to code

VHCS is not just improving facilities and saving costs, but also creating safer, vibrant educational spaces for future leaders. These changes show our dedication to responsible spending and highlight the long-term benefits of investing in a robust, innovative educational infrastructure for our community and stakeholders.

Provided by Schneider Electric