Greenfield HS going geo-thermal

By Editor | December 31, 2025 |

By Carmen Ensinger

One element of the 10-year Health, Life, Safety Plan for Greenfield School District is the need to upgrade the heating and cooling system at the high school. The board has decided the best and most cost-efficient route to take is the installation of a $2.3 million geo-thermal HVAC system.
Greenfield High School is over 100 years old, being built in 1924, and while its “bones” are still good, it is still operating on an antiquated boiler and window unit heating and cooling system.
Mark Graves with Omni Energy Partners presented energy and infrastructure information for not only the high school, but also the elementary and gymnasium projects to the board at the December board meeting.
In addition to the geo-thermal heating system at the high school, the projects include a secure entrance at the elementary, removing a large portion of the asbestos in the building by replacing the floors and ceilings and window replacement, all at the elementary.
Greenfield Superintendent Andy Stumpf explained why the board opted for the more expensive geo-thermal system.
“One of the reasons we went that route is because we get a 40 to 50 percent tax credit back once it is up and running,” he said. “So, within six to 12 months of the project completion we will be getting around a $1.2 million dollar rebate check in the mail.”
Ultimately, the more expensive system will save the district in the long run.
“Actually, once we get that check back, the system is pretty reasonably priced,” he said. “Then, it will cut down on our utility costs significantly. Because right now that building is all window units for the air conditioning, which are the most inefficient and then it is heated by the old school boiler, which will also be replaced.”
Stumpf also said the School Maintenance Grant will also be used in the project and will be part of the window replacement project at the elementary. The School Maintenance Grant is a 50/50 grant that provides up to $50,000 for a project with the district providing the matching funds.
Stumpf reported to the board that he recently attended the Prairie State Insurance Coop Mid-Year Conference. He noted that Property/Casualty rates are estimating a six to 12 percent increase and Workers Compensation a four to eight percent increase for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Beth Burrow advised the board that she has applied for another Farm to School grant. It is hoped that the grant will be able to purchase new appliances for the kitchen and gates for the FFA Farm.
Following a closed session, the board:
■ Accepted the proposal from Omni Energy Partners for Health Life Safety projects.
■ Approved the resolution abating the taxes levied for the year 2025 to pay debt service on the General Obligation Bonds Series 2017.
■ Approved the resolution abating the taxes levied for the year 2025 to pay debt service on the General Obligation Bonds Series 2024.
■ Approved the resolution in support of Four Rivers Operating Board Reconstructing.
■ Approved the use of facilities for Jessica Vetter for extracurricular activities.
■ Accepted the resignation of teacher aide, Roshier Creecy.
■ Accepted the resignation of Assistant Athletic Director Nick Walker at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
■ Hired Nick Walker as Scholastic Bowl Coach.
■ Hired part-time teacher aide, Tracy Daley.
■ Approved volunteer pee-wee boys basketball coach Scott Plogger.