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                            NEWS RELEASE
                              FROM THE
                    CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISISON

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For Immediate Release:
November 9, 1995


                 RIVERDALE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
               RECEIVES AWARD FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT


At the Riverdale Unified School District's November 13 School 
Board Meeting, the California Energy Commission will present 
district officials with a prestigious "Bright Schools Partnership 
Program Energy Management Award." 

The district, with James M. Brooks as Superintendent, is being 
recognized for its firm commitment in reducing energy use. Energy 
improvements in the district began in 1989, when energy-efficient 
lighting and Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) 
equipment was installed at Riverdale Elementary School.

"As a result of these actions," said Energy Commissioner Jananne 
Sharpless, Presiding Member of the Conservation Report and 
Programs Committee, "Riverdale Unified School District has 
realized tangible energy cost savings while contributing to the 
state's environmental quality and economic growth."

In addition to projects at the elementary school, lighting 
improvements were made at Riverdale High School in September, 
1995. Additional HVAC and outdoor lighting upgrades will be 
installed during the upcoming winter break.

The energy measures installed at the elementary school have 
already saved the district more than $6,500 a year in energy 
costs. It is estimated that the more efficient lighting installed 
at the high school in 1995 will cut its energy bills by $21,000 
annually, while the improvements to be installed during the 
winter break will save an additional $7,600 a year.

The energy upgrades were accomplished with the help of the 
Energy Commission's Bright Schools Program, which was established 
in 1986 to help finance energy-saving improvements for public 
school districts. 

Michael Sloss, Manager of the Efficiency Services Office, will 
represent the Energy Commission at the presentation.


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For more information, contact:
James M. Brooks, Superintendent, 
Riverdale Unified School District, (209) 867-3562

Rob Schlichting, Public Information Officer, 
California Energy Commission, (916) 654-4989


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FILE NAME: 95-11-09_Riverdale_Unified_Receives_Awar