Mary Beth Paschall, Murray Electric Community Relations, Mechelle Morgan, MISD Director of Instructional Technology, and Whitney York, MISD assistant superintendent.
Murray, Ky., November 20, 2023 – Murray Electric System announced that Murray Middle School and Murray High School, both located in the Murray Independent School District, were each awarded a $10,000 Learning Environment grant through Tennessee Valley Authority’s School Uplift program. Through the grants, upgrades were made to both the Murray Middle playground and Murray High’s outdoor classroom area.
Tight budgets and aging buildings leave many schools facing a difficult decision between funding learning programs and making needed facility upgrades. Since 2021, TVA’s $7.2 million School Uplift program has helped 118 public schools in the seven-state region solve that problem.
School Uplift’s year-long energy management training program helps public school districts make smart energy choices that improve the classroom learning environment and save money through decreased energy use. Participating schools compete to earn grants by cutting their energy waste through behavioral changes and by engaging students, faculty and staff.
“School Uplift is another way we’ve partnered with TVA to invest in our community,” said Mary Beth Paschall, Murray Electric Community Relations. “We are so excited that Murray Middle and Murray High schools, were each awarded this grant, which will enable administrators to improve facilities and make the school more efficient, healthy and comfortable for teachers and students. The faculty, staff and students committed to making energy efficiency a priority over the last school year and earned this grant through their hard work.”
Now in its third year, 118 schools have completed School Uplift. The average combined energy savings resulting from participating schools’ upgrades and behavior changes is equal to the carbon dioxide equivalent of 21,800 metric tonnes, or more than 24 million pounds of coal. On average, participating schools have saved nearly 10% on their annual energy bills from behavior changes alone.
“Every dollar invested in our schools helps districts allocate resources to where it matters most – educating our children,” said Monika Beckner, vice president of TVA’s Energy Services & Programs. “We’re inspired by the winners of this year’s School Uplift grants and proud of their dedication to reducing energy waste and building a sustainable future for us all.”
TVA EnergyRight and Murray Electric will continue to recruit public K-12 schools for the 2024-2025 program. Visit EnergyRight.com/school-uplift to express interest in participating in this exciting program.