Danville Independent Schools completed several projects over the summer of 2025 and onward to cut energy costs for the district and modernize facilities.

An energy savings performance contract with Ascendant Facility Partners provided boiler and cooling tower replacements at Danville High School and upgraded the boiler system at Mary G. Hogsett Primary School, updated the heating and air conditioning systems at Central Office, implemented upgrades to LED lighting where needed, improved insulation, and installed solar PV at the DHS, Hogsett and the Central Office buildings. Additions such as destratification fans in the DHS gym helped to regulate temperature and make spaces more comfortable and energy-efficient. 

“Ascendant Facility Partners … brought a level of thinking and planning that was different from anyone else we talked with,” said Superintendent Ron Ballard. “They didn’t just hand us a report — they walked alongside us through the process and helped us maximize an energy-efficient bonding project in a way that truly strengthened our overall facilities plan. They helped position the district to take advantage of federal energy savings, incentives, and grant opportunities, and once the work began, their subcontractors met every benchmark and timeline. Just as important, Ascendant clearly explained the energy savings in a way every board member could understand.”

The energy savings projects were completed during the summer, fall, and Thanksgiving breaks on time and on budget. The projects are already producing measurable energy savings.

The goal was to leverage as much energy savings as possible in conjunction with the available IRS Direct Pay Tax Credit Incentives. The estimated tax incentive is $720,000 and will allow the district to use its bonding capacity to provide a much-needed renovation to the aging John W. Bate Middle School.