District Secures Lower Electricity Rates and Plans Capital Improvements

Frankfort School District 157-C Meeting | Nov. 2025

Article Summary: The district has locked in a new electricity rate through a reverse auction and is moving forward with a five-year capital improvement plan focused on HVAC upgrades. Officials also discussed upcoming maintenance projects, including sealcoating.

Operations & Maintenance Key Points:

• Electricity Rate: The district accepted a bid of $0.06625 per kilowatt-hour for a 36-month term.

• Capital Plan: A 5-year plan was presented, prioritizing HVAC system upgrades at Grand Prairie and Hickory Creek.

• Grant Funding: Funds from the FY26 School Maintenance Project Grant will be applied toward these HVAC projects.

• Sealcoating: Parking lot sealcoating is scheduled for Chelsea and Grand Prairie in the summer of 2026.

Frankfort School District 157-C has secured a new, competitive electricity rate following a reverse auction process, Director of Business and Operational Services Dr. LeeAnn Taylor reported to the Board on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

The district accepted a rate of $0.06625 per kilowatt-hour for a 36-month contract. Dr. Taylor noted the process involved multiple bids and resulted in a favorable rate for the district.

In addition to utility savings, the board discussed long-term facility needs. Dr. Taylor and Supervisor of Building and Grounds Rodney Davis presented a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan. A primary focus of the plan is addressing HVAC needs, including LED lighting and flooring at Hickory Creek Middle School and upgrades at Grand Prairie Elementary and the district office.

“Looking ahead to 2027-2028, the district is looking to make building automation system upgrades at Grand Prairie and Hickory Creek which control the heating and cooling,” Davis reported.

To support these efforts, the board approved the School Maintenance Project Grant, with plans to use the FY26 funds toward the multi-year HVAC projects. Dr. Taylor also outlined plans for parking lot sealcoating projects at Chelsea Intermediate and Grand Prairie Elementary scheduled for the summer of 2026.