Friday Night Lights Get Brighter, Days Get Cooler
 

In the early 1900’s, Pampa Independent School District was the sixth largest school district in Gray County, TX. Over the span of a century, the school district became the heart and soul of the Pampa community.
 

Challenge

Despite their rich history, over time Pampa ISD felt the inevitable deterioration of infrastructure in their schools. Even with major construction projects and building additions throughout the decades, it was clear many key systems, such as the HVAC and football stadium lighting, were reaching the end of their life-cycle. Having just undertaken major renovations to the high school in 2006, which included a new gym, library, cafeteria, common area, administrative offices and a new science wing it was evident school budgets were limited. However, without upgrading the existing infrastructure throughout the schools, the District would not only lose optimal classroom comfort, conducive to a great learning environment but continue to experience ever-increasing utility and maintenance costs.  

Solution

Through working with NextEra Energy Services, Pampa ISD was able to get a comprehensive audit of existing equipment for the entire school district. This consisted of seven school facilities, as well as the cornerstone of every Texas school district, the football field and track.

After a thoughtful consideration, the District decided to implement cost-effective measures centered around HVAC and temperature control replacements. Lighting retrofits were also a focal point throughout the schools, including brand new stadium lighting. 

Result

Pampa ISD enacted a two-phase approach at the recommendation of the NextEra Energy Services team and set a major precedence in the first phase. The first four facilities, totaling more than 167,000 square feet, had 100 HVAC systems replaced in less than 60 days. In addition to this, the football stadium lighting was replaced in record time. This allowed the fall semester and the football schedule to start on time and without disruption. The rooftop direct expansion (DX) units which were replaced improved the classroom environment, and coupled with the new retrofit lighting both indoors and outdoors, brought about a whole new meaning to “Friday Night Lights” in Texas.