The Aiken County School District has been awarded $584,513 in federal economic stimulus funds by the South Carolina Budget and Control Board’s State Energy Office to make energy efficiency improvements.

The district will make upgrades district-wide to gymnasium lighting fixtures. These improvements had been delayed pending the release of new technology. Aiken, South Aiken, North Augusta, Midland Valley, Ridge-Spring Monetta, Wagener-Salley and Silver Bluff high schools will all receive these lighting upgrades.
 
Schofield, Kennedy, Aiken, North Augusta, Paul Knox, LBC, Leavelle McCampbell, Ridge-Spring Monetta, New Elleton, Jackson and A.L. Corbett middle schools will also receive these upgrades in addition to Millbrook and Jefferson elementary schools and Pinecrest Center and Freedman Center.

 “As one of the larger school districts in South Carolina, Aiken County has been working over the last few years to make energy efficiency improvements where possible in order to save money,” said John Clark, director of the South Carolina Energy Office. “With this grant, Aiken County School District will be able to save more than $82,000 annually by spreading savings and upgrades throughout the district.”