Kalispell Public Schools is moving forward with $3.2 million in energy-saving projects. 

Flathead High School will receive a majority of the energy upgrades — about $2.5 million.

These projects could save the district $128,380 annually in operations and maintenance costs. Of the projected districtwide energy savings, Flathead High School stands to reap $80,560 in energy savings.

Projects will be completed depending on funding the district receives through grants, loans and rebates.

On Tuesday, the board of trustees selected Ameresco, an energy services company, to oversee the project. Ameresco recently conducted a $59,858 energy audit for the district.

The projects are supposed to be budget-neutral, which means that annual energy savings will fund the projects over 15 years, according to Brian Solan, an engineering team leader for Ameresco.

Solan outlined projects for the board during a March 26 board work session with Ameresco development engineer Josh Routzahn. 

Ameresco guarantees savings for the first three years.

The district has been looking to make repairs at Flathead High School for several years.

Last year, when the district unsuccessfully sought voter approval of a building reserve levy, the district made a list of priorities totaling $10.6 million. Flathead High School topped the list of first-priority repairs.

The high school would be slated to receive a boiler system and hot water and heating/ventilation upgrades plus a new roof on the west annex. New boilers already have been ordered for the school.

Funding would come from several sources. Ameresco helped the district write a $1.2 million Montana Quality Schools Grant application. 

The competitive grant program provides school facility, technology and planning money and Kalispell ranks high on the list of proposals, Superintendent Darlene Schottle said.

The competitive grant program is funded by timber harvest on school trust lands and power site rental income, according to the Department of Commerce. Part of House Bill 15, the measure awaits the governor’s signature.

“We’re still waiting for the outcome of that grant that goes along with the legislative process and we’re still about 95 ... 98 percent sure we’re going to get that grant,” Schottle said.

Although the bill passed the Senate, school trustee Joe Brenneman voiced his displeasure that numerous senators representing local districts had voted against the bill.

Flathead Electric Cooperative rebates between $40,000 to $85,000 also are anticipated to help with funding, according to Ameresco.

The district is planning to borrow roughly $1.9 million in loans to be repaid through energy savings. The district is applying for zero-interest U.S. Department of Education Qualified Zone Academy Bonds, which require a 10 percent private match that would be fulfilled through free services by Ameresco.

If the bonds are not possible, the district would look at low-interest intercap state loans.

Energy projects are set to begin this summer.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.