Photo by Joselyn King Ohio County Board of Education member Molly Aderholt, left, board president David Croft and Superintendent Kim Miller discuss matters at Monday’s board meeting.

WHEELING — Upgrades to heating, air conditioning and lighting systems in Ohio County Schools have saved the school district more than $4.5 million over the past six years.

The savings total $4,587,680, an amount that is $1,830,855 above the savings guaranteed by CMTA Energy Solutions for the six-year time period, company representatives told Board of Education members Monday night.

CMTA is an engineering firm that focuses on lowering building and utility costs primarily on college campuses and in public schools. The company has West Virginia offices in Charleston and Lewisburg.

Projected annual energy savings of more than $480,000 for 15 years were factored into the financing of the Ohio County Schools property improvements bond passed by voters in 2018, explained Jonathan Gasser of CMTA.

CMTA had calculated the average electric costs paid by the school district during the 2015-18 period to determine a baseline cost, he said. It was about $11 million annually.

The total cost for electricity paid by Ohio County Schools in 2025 was about $7 million, representing a 37% drop, according to Gasser.

Likewise, yearly natural gas costs went from about $375,000 to $300,000, representing a 19% drop, he added.

Board President David Croft asked what the board should do next to continue the energy savings.

Gasser said “the low-hanging fruit” of achieving energy reduction already had been achieved by upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems throughout the district and moving toward energy-efficient lighting.

“If you continue to manage your utilities like you do now, you should get similar results,” he told board members.

Also at Monday’s board meeting, members honored three students who have been awarded West Virginia’s Golden Horseshoe Award for 2026. They are Brayden Cox of Warwood Middle School, Abigail Lewis of Bridge Street Middle School and Lucy Murfin of Triadelphia Middle School.

Andrew Weisal, a retired Valley Grove police officer and current personal protection officer at Steenrod Elementary School, was present at the meeting to receive the VFW National Law Enforcement Award. It was presented by Post 4442 Quartermaster Chuck Ryan and Commander Wally McMasters.

The next meeting of the Ohio County Board of Education is set for 6 p.m. May 26 at the board office, 2203 National Road, Elm Grove.