School Board Work Session: October 26, 2026

The School City of East Chicago board work session on October 26, 2026, included a presentation by Energy Systems Group (ESG) on a proposed energy-savings performance contract. The proposed work includes solar arrays at four facilities, LED lighting retrofits, transformer replacements, emergency generators, and HVAC upgrades at Lincoln and Block. ESG cited an estimated $8.4 million for solar, $2.2 million for lighting, and $3.5 million for Lincoln HVAC work; the presentation also included a $3.6 million estimated investment tax credit, potentially rising to about $4 million, a guaranteed annual energy saving of $400,000, and projected savings of about $12 million over 20 years. ESG said the proposed prices were not-to-exceed and based on contractor bids. The administration recommended shifting the existing capital-project schedule to prioritize this work and pursue the tax credit, while rescheduling portions of Central High School HVAC work for later summers. The discussion referenced up to $24 million in bond proceeds available for the project and the need to meet incentive and tariff deadlines.

No contract award or spending motion was approved during the work session. The ESG contract was listed on the following day’s board agenda; participants discussed whether the board might approve the contract or a letter of intent, subject to legal review. The board also discussed coordinating work for summer 2027, staff training and maintenance planning, and possible future roof assessments. The only motion recorded was to adjourn.