School districts across Kentucky are facing the same challenge: how to maintain and improve their aging facilities while staying within tight budgets. Rising energy costs, outdated infrastructure, and the need for modern, comfortable learning environments put significant pressure on school leaders to find cost-effective solutions.
That’s where a Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract (GESC) comes in. A GESC allows school districts to make essential facility improvements while leveraging energy savings to cover the cost, ensuring no financial burden on taxpayers. Ascendant Facility Partners (AFP) specializes in these contracts, providing schools with a clear, strategic path to upgrade their buildings and enhance student and staff comfort, all with a financial guarantee that the savings will materialize.
A Promise Delivered: Lyon County Schools’ Experience
For Lyon County Schools, partnering with AFP was about more than just energy efficiency; it was about trust. Superintendent Russ Tilford recalls how AFP’s commitment to their vision stood out from the beginning.
“The journey with Ascendant Facility Partners so far has been really great. What they shared with us early on is the vision to save energy, and at the same time, improve our facility systems. They came through. They fulfilled those promises.”
Lyon County’s experience highlights a key advantage of working with AFP: they don’t just suggest solutions – they execute them. By assessing each facility’s unique needs, AFP identifies opportunities to improve HVAC systems, lighting, insulation, and more, ensuring schools run efficiently while fostering a more comfortable learning environment.
Superintendent Tilford encourages other districts to explore what AFP can do for them:
“My encouragement is that you spend the time and give AFP a chance to come in and look at your facilities. See what opportunities are there and trust that the work they do for you will serve your schools for years to come.”
Moving Districts Forward Through Energy Savings
In Paducah Public Schools, the partnership with AFP wasn’t just about energy efficiency – it was about progress.
“I’m really excited about how you can use an energy savings project to move your district forward,” says Superintendent Donald Shively.
For districts like Paducah, a GESC isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s an opportunity to modernize facilities and reinvest in student success. Upgraded lighting, improved indoor air quality, and better climate control systems not only enhance learning conditions but also free up funding that can be directed toward educational programs and resources.
Long-Term Benefits: Murray Independent Schools’ Perspective
Beyond immediate energy savings, AFP’s projects provide long-term structural benefits that extend well into the future. Coy Samons, Superintendent of Murray Independent School District, highlights how their project addressed critical facility needs:
“The energy savings was really exciting to us, plus the benefit of the window replacements and the roof improvements that will help these buildings through the next decade.”
For many school districts, addressing aging infrastructure can seem like an overwhelming challenge. However, with AFP’s approach, schools can make targeted upgrades that improve efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the lifespan of their buildings – all while staying budget-neutral.
Why Choose Ascendant Facility Partners?
AFP’s GESC model ensures that the savings from energy-efficient upgrades cover the cost of the improvements, meaning districts don’t have to dip into operating budgets or request additional taxpayer funding. Their work goes beyond just financial benefits:
- Improved Comfort & Air Quality – Upgraded HVAC systems and better insulation create healthier and more comfortable learning spaces.
- Modernized Facilities – From lighting to building controls, schools benefit from the latest energy-efficient technology.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs – Newer, more reliable systems lower maintenance expenses and extend the life of school buildings.
- Guaranteed Savings – AFP stands behind their promise, ensuring that projected savings are met, giving schools peace of mind.
A Smart Investment for the Future
Partnering with AFP is more than just a way to cut costs; it’s a strategic investment in the future of education. By modernizing schools, reducing operational expenses, and improving learning environments, districts can ensure that students and staff have the best possible facilities to thrive.
As Lyon County, Paducah, and Murray Independent Schools have experienced firsthand, AFP delivers on their guarantee – transforming schools in a way that benefits students, educators, and communities for years to come.
See the Results for Yourself
Want to hear directly from school leaders who have worked with AFP? Watch the video to see how Russ Tilford, Donald Shively, and Coy Samons share their experiences, and the impact AFP has had on their schools.
📽️ Click here to watch the video and discover how a Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract (GESC) could benefit your district today.