Construction Begins on Energy Savings Improvement Projects at Ross Local Schools
Please Note: A Separate Roofing Project
Community members may have already noticed construction activity at Ross Middle School over the past several weeks. That work is part of a separate roof replacement project and is not connected to the Energy Performance Contracting Program described below.
The Ross Middle School roof project is being funded through the district's Permanent Improvement Fund, which is dedicated to maintaining and improving school facilities and infrastructure. It is not paid for through the district's General Operating Fund, which supports the day-to-day educational operations of our schools.
The projects outlined below are separate improvements funded through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission's School Energy Performance Contracting Program.
Ross Local Schools currently has several facility improvement projects underway, and over the coming weeks, families and community members driving past our main campus on State Route 128 will notice additional construction activity. We’re excited to begin several facility improvement projects that have been strategically planned since the fall of 2025, and we want to keep our community informed about both the work taking place and how these projects are being funded.
School Energy Performance Contracting Program
These improvements are being completed through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission's (OFCC) School Energy Performance Contracting Program, which allows school districts to make energy-efficient upgrades and use the resulting utility savings to help pay for those improvements.
Ross Local School District has partnered with Vista Consulting Group of Lebanon, Ohio, to analyze our utility usage, identify opportunities for energy savings, and recommend facility improvements that would reduce long-term operating costs while addressing equipment that has reached the end of its useful life.
Board Action
The Board of Education has carefully considered this project over the past several months.
October 16, 2025: Vista Consulting Group presented the proposed Phase II project at the Board of Education meeting. Included at this presentation was a breakdown of utility savings incurred from the Phase I project which shows the program works.
October 17, 2025: The Board approved a resolution to apply for funding through the OFCC School Energy Performance Contracting Program (HB 264).
April 16, 2026: Vista returned to provide an updated presentation outlining the final project scope.
April 20, 2026: The Board approved a resolution to enter into the state's Energy Performance Contracting Program.
Both presentations are available on the Ross Local Schools YouTube channel for anyone interested in learning more.
Project Scope
Construction will begin later this week and includes:
Installation of new LED athletic stadium lighting
Replacement of the athletic stadium scoreboard
Replacement of the campus marquee sign along State Route 128
Upgrades to the Ross High School HVAC automation system
Cranes and construction equipment will begin arriving at the end of this week to remove the existing scoreboard and begin lighting installation.
The work is expected to cause minimal disruption to daily operations. However, there will be at least two days during construction when the track and athletic field will not be accessible to community members or student-athletes. We appreciate everyone's patience during this time.
Why These Improvements Are Being Made
Several of these systems have reached the end of their service life and would have required replacement regardless of this project.
For example, just one week before the end of the 2025 fall sports season, a critical component of the stadium scoreboard failed. Because the scoreboard's technology is now obsolete, replacement parts were nearly impossible to find. Our Business Operations Supervisor ultimately traveled to Dayton to retrieve the last available replacement part so the scoreboard could remain operational.
The district's marquee sign faces similar challenges. When components fail, replacement parts are no longer available, making repairs increasingly difficult and costly.
By replacing these systems now through the state's energy program, the district can modernize critical infrastructure while reducing long-term operating costs.
A Smart Financial Investment
One of the key requirements of the OFCC Energy Performance Contracting Program is that Vista Consulting Group must guarantee that the energy efficiency improvements to our facilities will allow the cost savings to pay for those improvements.
Because the state recently lowered the borrowing cap for this program, Ross Local Schools secured two low-interest loans:
Up to $1 million at 0.25% interest
Approximately $600,000 at 2% interest
While the district had other options—including using Permanent Improvement funds or financing these projects at traditional interest rates of 5–6%—this program provides the most fiscally responsible path forward. The exceptionally low interest rates, combined with guaranteed energy savings, allow the district to replace aging infrastructure while maximizing the value of every taxpayer dollar.
Investing in Our Future
These projects reflect Ross Local Schools' commitment to planning ahead, maintaining our facilities responsibly, and communicating openly with the community we serve. By investing in energy-efficient improvements today, we're protecting district resources, improving our learning environment, and ensuring our facilities continue to serve students, families, and the Ross community for years to come.
If you have questions about these projects or the Energy Performance Contracting Program, please contact the Ross Local School District Office at 513-863-1253.