June 2nd, 2010District Announces Sustainable Energy Education Program & Appoints Program Coordinator

Phoenix Elementary School District #1 proudly announces the launch of a sustainable energy conservation program in partnership with Energy Education. The program is projected to reduce energy consumption by 20-30%, and the program requires no capital expenditures to implement. Energy Education, the nation’s leader in people-based energy conservation and efficiency, guarantees the savings will cover the cost of the energy program, or will refund the difference.

This sustainable energy conservation program will train District employees to implement behavioral and organizational changes that substantially reduce energy consumption. The program is funded solely by the savings generated and is about much more than simply turning off the lights and computers, it’s about changing organizational behavior and maintaining those behaviors for years to come. The program will also provide the District with content and the opportunity to explore curriculum opportunities for 7th and 8th grade students on sustainable energy conservation.

The District is also pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Kathy Halifko as the Energy Education Coordinator for the District. This is a key role for the District to insure the overall implementation of the energy management program and promoting it within the organization. Ms. Halifko will be responsible for developing and monitoring the organization’s energy management program for the purpose of reducing utility consumption. Ms. Halifko has been a teacher in Phoenix Elementary District #1 since 2005 after moving to Phoenix from New Orleans following hurricane Katrina. She is highly regarded among colleagues as an excellent communicator and educator and is astute at solving complex problems and quickly learning and adapting to new situations. These attributes are critical given that the District is on a fast track to reduce energy consumption and direct those savings to the classroom. Ms. Halifko is a graduate of Columbia University Teachers College and Loyola University. She is trilingual – English, Spanish and Korean.

“We are very pleased to have launched this program and expect great things from Ms. Halifko in her role as Energy Education Coordinator. We have made great strides over the last two years through the implementation of our energy management system, energy conservation renovations and retrofitting, installation of solar panels and building of our LEED Certified Performing Arts Center at Herrera School. Now it is time to seriously look at our behaviors and implement sustainable savings through our behavior. We are focused on our fiscal and environmental responsibilities as we launch this program and look forward to partnering with Energy Education to report significant savings in just four months.” Myriam Roa, Superintendent – Phoenix Elementary School District #1.

About Phoenix Elementary School District #1
Serving preschool through eighth grade students since 1871, Phoenix Elementary School District #1 is steeped in heritage and tradition and located in the heart of downtown Phoenix. The District offers a breadth of special programs and curriculum and is dedicated to the total development of every student by setting high expectations and fostering academic leadership. The District’s fourteen Signature and Community Schools provide safe and secure learning environments with unique themes and free programs including – Montessori, Traditional, Language Acquisition, Performing & Fine Arts, Donde Vivo, Before & After School Care & Enrichment and more. For more information please visit www.phxschools.org or call 602.257.3755.



About Energy Education
Energy Education's innovative Transformational Energy ManagementTM process trains client personnel to implement behavioral and organizational changes that substantially reduce energy consumption without having to buy new equipment. The program is funded solely and rapidly by the savings it generates, allowing clients to redirect saved energy dollars to other priorities. Energy Education was named 2009 & 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In 24 years, the company has worked with more than 1,000 educational and ministerial organizations, helping clients save more than $2 billion in utility costs. www.energyeducation.com