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Steamboat Springs — Changing energy needs and rising energy costs affect schools, which is why the Hayden School District conducted an energy audit to see what - if anything - it could do to save money.

On Monday, John Canfield, with the Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation, presented the School Board with his findings and his recommendations for the district to conserve energy and cut costs.

The presentation was more informational than anything, but Superintendent Mike Luppes said Canfield had great suggestions, and the district likely will adopt several of his ideas in the months or years ahead.

"What I visualize here is that there may be some of this stuff we proceed with," Luppes said.

Canfield found numerous energy issues with the district's lighting systems, particularly in the high school gym where lights need to be turned on so they can warm up for 20 minutes before giving adequate light. Shutting the lights off starts the process over again, so the lights are rarely turned off.

"Just the energy costs from replacing some of our existing lights would pay for the replacement costs in four to five years," Luppes said.

Canfield also suggested the district do a thorough review of its heating, ventilation and cooling systems. Making sure everything within the systems is running properly generates cost savings.

Luppes said those were two of the basic ideas Canfield shared with the board. Those suggestions would cost the district money, but those projects would be minimal in cost compared to some of Canfield's other suggestions.

"More extensive things would be boilers, for one," Luppes said. "Doing something before we have to, and doing that with a performance contract would be beneficial to the district as well."

Energy performance contracts generally are financing or operating leases provided by an energy service company or equipment manufacturer. These contracts provide a guarantee on energy savings, and they usually also offer a range of associated design, installation and maintenance services.

The School Board also received an update on where the district is in terms of offering driver's education. The district would like to offer year-round driver's education, but the number of students eligible to take the class is minimal, which drives the price near $400 per person, Luppes said.

"We are trying to make it financially feasible for students," Luppes said. "We are just exploring all possibilities right now. We are hoping to get there, but it's still a work in progress."

District officials have discussed vehicle sponsorship to save money. They also have looked at taking the course portion of drivers education online, saving the district money and the students extra time.

In other action, the Hayden School Board:

- Approved the spending of $89,339 on a new activity bus, which the district is hoping to have in the next month.

- Approved the spending of $278 and $260 for present and ongoing capital reserve projects.

- Reviewed district insurance options, but a final decision has not been made.

- Reviewed the School Accountability Reports.

- Approved the retirement of longtime employee Beverly "LB" Lehrer-Brennan.

- Heard a presentation from junior Caitlyn Corriveau, who would like to graduate early. Corriveau has been taking summer classes and plans to take classes at high school and online to fulfill graduation requirements. The School Board has final decision on early graduations.

- Received an update on the vocational building. The district has elevation drawings and floor plans for the addition.