Latest news with #LeadrianeRoby
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consumers Energy Delivers Over $1 Million in Rebates, Cost Savings for Grand Rapids Public Schools
Lighting projects, cooling system upgrades highlight energy efficiency efforts in 39 district buildings GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is proud to partner with Grand Rapids Public Schools to empower one of the state's largest school districts to save money through Consumers Energy's energy efficiency programs. Consumers Energy is helping the district avoid nearly 5.2 million future kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy usage annually, which equates to over $500,000 a year in projected savings on the district's energy bill. The savings were achieved over a two-year period through electrical upgrades of lighting, cooling system, and HVAC systems and other improvements at 39 district buildings. Among the highlights of the work were a nearly $200,000 Consumers Energy rebate awarded to the district for new electrical equipment and other upgrades as part of the Innovation High School campus renovation, and nearly $30,000 for making energy efficient lighting updates at Alger Middle School. "The money we're investing back to GRPS schools supports building operations and improvements to the district's learning environment," said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience. "We are committed to doing our part to educate and empower the district through our energy efficiency programs to help all Michiganders save energy and save money." "Partnering with Consumers Energy to reduce our energy usage helps us minimize our environmental impact and lower costs, allowing our district to invest more in our scholars, families, and staff," said Dr. Leadriane Roby, superintendent of schools for Grand Rapids Public Schools. Consumers Energy provides customers with the power to reduce energy waste and lower bills through energy efficiency and demand response programs like the Smart Thermostat program, Home Energy Analysis, Appliance Recycling and Water Heater rebates. And in conjunction with the company's Clean Energy Plan, which uses natural gas as a fuel source to generate baseload power, Consumers Energy's plan creates price stability and will save about $600 million through 2040. To find out what programs or rebates you may qualify for, visit Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: Instagram: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consumers Energy
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
GRPS future plans include security upgrades, electric buses
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — As Grand Rapids Public Schools celebrated progress Thursday night, it laid out plans for the future that included new campuses, security upgrades and electric buses. GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby said $305 million would be invested throughout the district to create a 'more equitable GRPS.' Among the projects she announced was a new environmental academy opening soon at Kennel Shape Park in Southeast Grand Rapids. GRPS approves plan to build new school at Aberdeen site 'This newly-renovated space will provide many of our scholars with a closer-to-home-option for an environmental science academy experience,' Roby said. Roby announced expansions within the district's Montessori learning spaces. Ridgemoor Park Montessori will be expanded through 8th grade with what she called 'potential for future growth.' A new pre-K through grade 12 Montessori campus will also be created on the site of what is currently Riverside Middle School in north Grand Rapids. GRPS recommends building new school on northeast side 'This will allow our scholars to go from pre-K through graduation in a learning environment specifically designed in the Montessori method,' Roby said. She added that full renovations are planned for Campus Elementary, Mulick Park and Southwest Elementary Academia Bilingüe. Through the Reimagine GRPS plan, every school will have air conditioning, which Roby said solves 'one of the top issues raised by scholars due to the 2023 engagement report.' When it comes to extracurricular activities, all five GRPS performing arts centers will get renovations. Houseman Field, which Roby called 'the heart of GRPS athletics,' will get a new turf and track, upgraded lighting and improved locker rooms. Briggs Field and Ottawa and Union athletic fields are also getting upgrades, Roby said. 'Our scholars who dedicate themselves to performance, whether it be in music, theater or athletics, deserve a first-class stage and we are committed to delivering that. Each GRPS school will have 'secure entryways,' Roby said, saying security cameras will be added to all campuses starting this month. GRPS 'encouraged' by education dollars in Whitmer's budget proposal Every school is also implementing the ',' according to Roby. 'This particular program quickly provides background checks of every visitor to our schools, helping to ensure the safety of our scholars,' Roby explained. Noting previous transportation issues, Roby touted that Dean Transportation, the company GRPS uses to move students around, is at its highest staffing level since before the pandemic. She also said it was on schedule 93% of the time. Dean Transportation ironing out logistical hiccups, asks for patience Soon, Dean will launch its first electric bus in the district and aims to have 15 electric buses hit the road over the next several months, Roby announced. Roby made a point to speak to the community about surrounding increased immigration enforcement. 'No matter who you are, you belong at GRPS. So many in our community are facing real issues due to the increased immigration enforcement and this fear is having some impact on our schools. We have scholars who are concerned when they return home from class their parents may be gone. Children are also worried that their friends may leave and never come back,' Roby explained. A few weeks ago, on protocol for faculty to follow in the event of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid. Institutions push back on ICE church, school arrest policy 'Our district protocols are in place to ensure that our schools that our schools remain a safe place for children. We vow to continue to provide support and resources to our families and our staff as we are navigating these challenging times together,' she added. 'Every child has a right to a quality education. That is a commitment that will never change at GRPS.' Roby also focused on the district's successes touting increased enrollment and attendance over the last year. Over half of graduates from GRPS high schools enrolled in college within six months of graduation, which is the highest level in recent years, Roby said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
