Stafford USD 349 is a public unified school district headquartered in Stafford, Kansas. The school serves the community with all students attending school in the same complex of buildings. The city of Stafford was founded in 1878 and is the largest town in Stafford County, designated as an incorporated city of the third class.

The District faced a multitude of facility challenges, necessitating repairs and upgrades such as replacing significant heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, addressing inadequate lighting, and enhancing inefficient doors. Notably, the Superintendent had prior experience with similar projects during her tenure as a principal at Mulvane. With access to ESSER funds earmarked for HVAC improvements, the district aimed to reinvest savings back into the project for further enhancements.

After careful consideration, the district decided on a set of upgrades tailored to their requirements. This involved enhancing the building’s structure, installing new HVAC units, upgrading to LED lighting, and integrating smart thermostat controls. Additionally, they prioritized repairing doors throughout the building to enhance efficiency.

Stafford anticipates annual savings exceeding $44,000 from the energy-efficient enhancements. The installation of new lighting, alongside upgraded HVAC units and other necessary repairs, has notably enhanced the comfort of the learning and teaching environment. The energy-saving project in Stafford has yielded numerous benefits, notably resulting in a significantly more comfortable atmosphere for students, faculty, and staff.