Sanger schools make efforts to go green

SANGER, Calif. (KFSN) -- Some Valley schools are one step closer to becoming more energy efficient.

Madison Elementary School in Sanger got some special visitors Thursday morning. An energy corps crew with the California Conservation Corps, took a closer look at the school from up high and down low to get a better understanding of how it uses energy.

Madison Elementary School Principal Stephanie Rodriguez said, "So having the conservation corps just kind ties it all together and gets our kids focused on what we're doing to help the environment."

Rodriguez says the school, which was built in 1956, has made strides to help save energy in simple ways like turning off the lights and closing doors. But energy crews look at a whole lot more.

CCC Fresno Crew Leader Amy Duncan said, "We look at the lighting, we look at the HVAC, hot water heaters, plug loads. Anything that's drawing energy that the school is paying for."

State director David Muraki was on hand to see the crew in action.

"Energy costs are the second highest costs for schools, so the more energy they can save, the more money they can shift over to instruction," said Muraki. "It makes for a better learning environment for the kids."

Madison qualified for the free energy audit and will be able to use the information to apply for grants to upgrade its systems under proposition 39.

Principal Rodriguez says she's excited about the work they're doing now and the green possibilities.

"We're focusing on science as a school site, we have our solar system that out here that we got a grant from PG&E with," said Rodriguez. "We've started greenhouse, a composter, a recycle program, so really creating an awareness about the environment for children."

Energy and education working together hand in hand.

In all, nineteen schools in the Sanger Unified School District will be surveyed.