With a high school ranked as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, Houghton-Portage Township School District is known for academic leadership. From its curriculum to its facilities, the district strives to provide an exceptional learning environment for all students, both now and in the future.

The district wanted to address the growing need for new technologies and facility improvements, such as larger physical education and music facilities. However, financing was an issue that could not be overlooked.

To meet their goals, district leaders teamed with Johnson Controls to leverage community support through a bond referendum, coupled with a Performance Contract. This resulted in facility and technology upgrades, building expansion, and operational cost savings of more than $3 million.

“We met with Johnson Controls. They understood our needs and proposed a performance contract within a bond referendum. And, if the bond should fail, the proposal included a parallel plan to leverage energy savings opportunities under a performance contact to meet our immediate needs,” says Bill Polkinghorne, superintendent for the district.

Leveraging Community Support

This project marks the first time a performance contract was implemented inside of a voted bond referendum in the State of Michigan. Over $12 million dollars of improvements to the district’s schools have been made, while delivering 100 percent of the $3 million in energy savings back to the district’s general fund for use in operating facilities.

To garner community support for the improvements, Polkinghorne and the school board partnered with Johnson Controls in the “teaching for tomorrow” campaign designed to communicate the project’s impact on technology, academic and instructional needs, and energy efficiency.

Improving Technologies and Securing the Learning Environment

For the district of Houghton-Portage, proficient use of technology is an essential skill students need in order to be successful in today’s workplace. The bond included upgrades to classroom and lab computers, monitors, printers and projectors. Johnson Controls also installed a wireless network that provides complete wireless coverage throughout the district. A Cisco Unifies Communications Manager Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system was deployed by leveraging the existing cabling infrastructure, saving $10,000 annually in communication costs. End-of-life hubs and switches were also replaced with gigabit switches, improving network and Internet speed by nearly 100 times.

Additionally, Johnson Controls installed P2000 security management systems at all three schools. Principals now have access to the integrated IP camera surveillance system from monitors in their offices.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades and Operational Savings

An energy audit revealed numerous ways that the district could improve energy efficiency. Aging windows at the middle school and high school were replaced and roof repairs or partial replacements were done at all three schools. Other improvements include lighting retrofits, water conservation measures and the installation of a new Johnson Controls Metasys building management system to monitor and control all lighting and HVAC equipment and controls and more. The energy efficiency upgrades implemented throughout the district are expected to save nearly $110,000 annually over the 20-year contract.

Looking Ahead in the Houghton-Portage School District

A second gymnasium and music room are being built to augment facilities currently shared by the middle and high schools. Slated for completion in 2010, the addition will accommodate increased demands and provide recreational space for the community. Slated for completion in the fall of 2010, the district used the Johnson Controls Technology Contracting for the design of all of the low voltage systems.

“Our goal is to provide the academic environment the community expects,” said Polkinghorne.