Sumter Elementary first to achieve 100 % energy education compliance

Local News

November 9, 2009

From Staff Reports

AMERICUS — Approaching a savings of $224,000 in utility costs since January, Sumter County Schools salutes all administrators, teachers and staff for their team effort to save money, jobs, existing programs and sharing procedure of cost savings with students.

In an unscheduled, pre-dawn energy audit Monday morning, Sumter County Public Information Director and Energy Education Manager, Mulkey McMichael, discovered full energy education compliance as suggested by the parent company, Energy Education.

“I have had several school who have been quite close to 100 percent compliance. Each day, I marvel at the increase in total energy shut-down in our schools. I guess when (principal) Mrs. (Sharon) Marcus did her personal walk-through audit of her school, on a system furlough day, these educators and staff took energy conservation more seriously. I salute Mrs. Marcus and her team for this honor," said McMichael.

Each classroom, space and assembly area is checked during these audits. Notations are made and McMichael attempts to review his findings with the school administrator responsible for maintain the savings program. Space temperatures, lighting, computer systems, anything with monitor lights and any personal appliances still remaining are noted for review.

Without notice, McMichael returned to Sumter County Elementary to deliver his findings. After revealing the 100 percent compliance sign, it was soon posted on the school’s entrance door. In days, the good news will be posted on the school’s lawn marquis.

Marcus commented, “I guess that we have celebrated the selection of Ms. Laura Gerlach as our district’s Teacher of the Year and it is time for us to add another accolade to ongoing efforts of the team from Sumter County Elementary School.”