Looking ahead to future savings, the Parkland School Board authorized energy audits for the two middle schools and the high school at a total cost of $127,440.

At the Feb. 26 meeting, the board approved Entech Engineering to perform the service.

District Superintendent Richard Sniscak commented on the audits.

"They will look at everything from the lighting, windows and HVAC, to the building envelope," Sniscak said. "These three schools have the lowest Energy Star ratings in the district."

Energy audit costs for each building are $53,040 for the high school, $39,430 for Springhouse, and $34,970 for Orefield.

"We will recoup these costs through savings," Sniscak said.

Over the past several years, Parkland has been gradually improving energy efficiency through lighting replacements and various retrofits.

The newest Parkland school, Jaindl Elementary, was designed and constructed with energy efficiency features.

Entech Engineers will evaluate electrical designs and equipment conditions, review water usage and measure key parameters in light and temperature at the three buildings designated for the energy audit.

They will prepare an energy use analysis and suggest conservation measures.

The audit will conclude with a report on estimated costs for energy enhancements and savings that will follow.

Sniscak said the biggest ticket item of the three buildings is the boiler at Orefield Middle School.

"They will recommend what would be most efficient and what system we should go with," said the superintendent.

Payment will be derived from the Capital Projects Fund, which has been set aside in a recent $10 million bond issue, for improvements throughout the district.

Robert Cohen, who represents the board at Lehigh Carbon Community College, provided a preliminary glimpse at that institution's proposed $35,775,570 budget.

For all districts, there will be a 1.7-percent increase in the sponsor's share, Cohen said.

Parkland is listed for a $26,000 increase, for a total contribution of $1.236 million to the forthcoming LCCC operating budget.

Cohen said the board will discuss the matter in committee meetings before being brought for a vote.