b'From Deferred Maintenance to Smart Investment, continuedWhen pairedsystems. After filing with performanceThe combination of geothermal systems, performancefor the tax credits in contracting, DirectJuly 2025, SPS received Pay dramaticallycontracting, and IRA Direct Pay is not theoreticalita $4.1 million cash improves projectis working today and delivering measurable resultsreimbursement from economics. ESCOsthe IRS the following can help districts plan,for students, educators, and communities. month, funds the document, and filedistrict is now using for these credits, oftento plan additional reinvesting the cashVeregy determined that ground-sourceimprovements.reimbursements into additional facilityheat pumps were the most cost-effectiveAs Deputy Superintendent of improvements. long-term solution, particularly whenOperations Dr. Travis Shaw noted, the factoring in an estimated $4 million inpartnership reduced operating costs while Missouri Case Study: federal energy tax credits. Constructionimproving sustainability and stewardship Springfield Public Schools: began in early 2024 and was completedof taxpayer resources.A compelling example of this approachover a single summer, including:can be found right here in Missouri. Why This MattersSpringfield Public Schools (SPS) faced170 geothermal wells for Missouri Districts:aging HVAC systems across multiple164 water-source heat pumps For Missouri K12 leaders, the buildings but had limited internal40,000 square feet of ceilingimplications are clear:capacity to design and fund a large-scalereplacements Geothermal is no longer cost-solution. In 2023, the district selectedHVAC upgrades across three schoolprohibitive when paired withVeregy through a competitive RFPbuildings Direct Payprocess to deliver improvements viaBy August 2024, the schools reopenedPerformance contracting mitigates performance contracting. on schedule with fully modernizedfinancial and technical riskFederal dollars can meaningfully offset local costsProjects can be delivered on accelerated timelinesStudents and staff benefit immediately from improved environmentsVoss Lighting offersWith energy prices uncertain and comprehensive solutionsfacility needs growing, districts that for all your lighting needs delay action may miss a once-in-a-from specification andgeneration opportunity to modernize design to installation andinfrastructure using federal support that commissioning. directly benefits Missouri taxpayers.Let our lighting specialists help you create a brighter, moreMoving Forward:efficient learning environmentDistricts interested in geothermal and both in the classroom and onperformance contracting should begin the field.with a district-wide facilities and energy assessment, explore ESPC procurement CALL US TODAY TOoptions allowed under Missouri statute, COMPLETE YOUR NEXTand engage partners experienced in LIGHTING PROJECT! navigating IRA incentives.St. Louis: (636) 660-0088 As Springfield Public Schools has Kansas City: (816) 471-8677 demonstrated, the combination of geothermal systems, performance contracting, and IRA Direct Pay is not theoretical, it is working today, in vosslighting.com Missouri, and delivering measurable results for students, educators, and communities.26|SCHOOL PLANT MANAGER MAGAZINE|SPRING 2026'