Customer Profile: Wattsburg Area School District, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, spans 144 square miles and serves approximately 1,300 students across one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. Each of the three schools provides extracurricular activities that help foster connection and engagement throughout the district. Due to its large geographic layout, the district is considered the central hub of the community.
Customer Challenge: The district launched Phase VII of its ongoing Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) initiative to continue investing in student safety, health, and building efficiency. This phase focused on Seneca High School, which was originally constructed in 1972 and last renovated in 2003. In recent years, the facility began experiencing infrastructure issues that lead to the need for modernization.
Key challenges included:
- Inconsistent water pressure throughout restrooms, kitchens, and custodial areas
- Poor indoor air quality in classrooms
- Outdated exterior doors that were drafty and lacked modern security features
Stark Tech Solution: Stark Tech partnered with the district to implement a comprehensive solution designed to address immediate concerns while improving the long-term sustainability and safety at the high school. All improvements were integrated into the building automation system (BAS) to provide real-time visibility and control, and the district leveraged grant funding to support the upgrades.
Security Upgrades:
- Replaced 11 outdated exterior door sets with new high-security systems featuring integrated automated access control for enhanced building security and streamlined management.
Energy Efficiency Improvements:
- Replaced five outdated outdoor air units (OAUs) with high-efficiency models equipped with heat recovery systems, variable frequency drive (VFD)-controlled fans, and advanced air filtration to significantly improve air quality and reduce overall energy consumption.
Water System Upgrades:
- Installed a new domestic water booster system, including a pressure control tank and VFD-controlled pumps, ensuring consistent and reliable water pressure for all building operations.
Project Result: While the project is still underway, the district is already seeing early benefits. Staff and students are experiencing improved indoor air quality and dependable water pressure, supporting a more comfortable and healthy learning environment. Once completed, the district will also benefit from strengthened security, greater visibility through integrated controls, and reduced operational costs, all contributing to a safer, more efficient facility for years to come.
