PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Date:  March 26, 2003
Contact: Irene Cromer
(703) 791-8720

Three Prince William County Schools will be recognized on Monday, March 31, for their outstanding performance in the school division’s ongoing energy management program at ceremonies at their schools:  Gar-Field High School, (1:30 p.m.), Bel Air Elementary School, (2:30 p.m.), and Beville Middle School, (3:35 p.m.). 

The energy management program rewards schools with payments totaling fifty percent of their energy cost avoidance.  Wayne Mallard, Area II Associate Superintendent; David Miller, Associate Superintendent of School Services; Tom Colbert, Technical Services Coordinator; and Shawn McTighe, Administrative Coordinator, will make the presentations.  For their efforts in FY03, Gar-Field High School will receive $13,548; Beville Middle School, $6,390; and Bel Air Elementary School, $5,490. 

The press is invited and encouraged to attend.  Background information on the Energy Management Program and cash awards to other Prince William County Schools will be available at the ceremonies.  The program, instituted in 1994, thus far has resulted in cost of avoidance of $3,580,999 for the school division, half of which has been returned to participating schools. This year, 52 schools participating in the program will receive rebates of $181,664, based on cost avoidance of $363,328.

 Schools are free to use the funds as they choose.  In the past, the money has purchased 
custodial supplies and special equipment, supported staff development and met a variety of student needs including books and tutoring.  Other schools have used their rebates to beautify building and grounds, provide student recognition and purchase instructional supplies. Beville Middle School purchased instructional materials.  This year the school is planning to use their rebate check on custodial safety equipment and upgrading instructional technology hardware.   Gar-Field High School used the money to replace 25- to 30-year-old carpeting, including the main halls, the upper level, the auditorium, the main office and some classrooms.  

For more information on the recognition ceremonies, contact the Community Relations Office at 703-791-8720.  For more information on the Energy Management Program, contact Tom Colbert, Technical Services Coordinator, at 703-791-7402.