Florida District Modernizes Central Energy Plants at Two High Schools

• By Matt Jones
• 03/10/26

Flagler Schools, a public school district in Flagler County, Fla., recently partnered with Matern Professional Engineering to modernize the central energy plants at two of its high schools, according to a news release. The project is part of a larger, district-wide effort to reduce energy costs and operational expenses. Work at Flagler Palm Coast High School was recently completed, while work at Matanzas High School has an estimated completion date of spring 2027.

The news release reports that Flagler Palm Coast’s new central energy plant has already earned a $293,000 energy rebate, and Matanzas’ plant a $220,000 energy rebate, to balance out district costs. Flagler Palm Coast is estimated to save the district more than 213,000 KWH per year.

"Public school districts across Florida are facing the same challenge: aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, and limited budgets," said Ryan Strandquest, LEED AP, Matern Professional Engineering President. "What we accomplished with Flagler Schools proves that with the right collaboration and a strategic approach to rebate programs and energy optimization, districts can make transformative improvements without breaking the budget.  If district engineers are not informing and taking advantage of programs like the Inflation Reduction Act, they are leaving significant value on the table. We have to find ways to think more like a business to create better learning environments for the current student body, faculty, and future generations."

The approach to the modernization project was system-wide, based on feasibility studies and other assessments to come up with new top-level solutions that were both affordable and maintenance-friendly. According to the news release, “Flagler School’s thermal storage system optimizes energy usage by generating cooling capacity during off-peak hours at lower rate structures, resulting in meaningful cost savings for taxpayers.”

"Matern has always understood our pain points when it comes to budget," said Kory Bush, Flagler Schools’ Director of Plant Services. "From the onset, Ryan took the time to explain our options, lay out the pros and cons, and roll back the technical language so we could easily understand and make informed decisions together. It was clear he cared about our student body, administration, and our community. As stewards of taxpayer money, we needed a partner who could help us find the most economical path forward, and Matern delivered."