SMETHPORT — In his report to the Smethport Area School Board Monday, Superintendent David London said the district has issued a request for qualifications for an energy savings performance contracting project.

The district is requesting qualifications from energy services companies that can provide a turnkey energy conservation program that describes those companies’ ability to identify the need for design, install, maintain, monitor and arrange the financing of the work.

“The main physical plant needs are improvements in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, safety and security indoor and outdoor lighting and cafeterias and restroom renovations,” London said.

The district plans to use the request for proposals to qualify and select a firm to conduct an investment grade audit and award contracts to perform cost-efficiency energy conservation retrofits.

The state law governing general energy savings for school districts is based on the concept that cost savings from energy improvements on an annual basis are sufficient to pay the debt on financing for the construction and installation of the energy savings themselves.

Noon on Sept. 27 is the deadline for RFQs to be received in the superintendent’s office. Whether the district proceeds with any general energy savings projects rests with the school board.

London’s report to the board also noted the district’s enrollment for the third day of the new school year remains stable over last year.

In other news, the directors voted to back the following candidates for offices with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association: Otto Voit, Muhlenburg Area School District, president; Eric Wolfgang, Central York ASD, vice-president; Mike Gossert, Cumberland Valley ASD, treasurer; Clythera Hornung, St. Marys ASD, Central at Large; and Michael Faccinetto, Bethlehem ASD, PSBA Insurance Trustee.