Energy report reveals 2024 consumption trends and new school construction impacts

The DeSoto County School Board convened on April 4, 2025, to review the energy report for the 2024 fiscal year, highlighting key trends in energy consumption across the district's facilities. The meeting began with a presentation that included a pie chart illustrating the distribution of energy usage, primarily in heating, air conditioning, and lighting.

The report detailed energy consumption across four quarters, noting that the first quarter of 2024 showed a slight increase compared to previous years, while the second quarter remained above prior years. However, the third quarter experienced a decline, which is typical as schools ramp up operations at the start of the academic year. The final quarter of 2024 was slightly above the previous year but still below the figures from 2022. Overall, the district's energy costs increased by $132,963.14 compared to 2023, despite average temperatures remaining consistent between the two years.

Significant developments contributing to the energy report included the addition of several classrooms: a four-classroom expansion at Center Hill Elementary, a four-classroom addition at Lakehorn Middle School, an eight-classroom expansion at Center Hill High, and a ten-classroom addition at Southern Central Primary, which was taken over in January 2024. These expansions are expected to enhance energy efficiency as the district approaches a total of over 5 million square feet of educational space, with a new school set to open in the 2025-2026 school year.

The board expressed appreciation for the energy management system that allows for continuous monitoring of school facilities, ensuring optimal efficiency. The meeting concluded with positive remarks about the district's progress in energy management and the importance of recognizing staff contributions to these efforts.