Calhoun, Ga. – Gordon County Schools announced today that Red Bud Elementary School has been selected to win a Learning Environment Grant through the TVA EnergyRight School Uplift program.
Tight budgets and aging buildings leave many schools facing a difficult decision between funding learning programs and making needed facility upgrades that can lower energy costs and improve health and comfort. TVA’s School Uplift program partnered with local power companies across seven states to help 64 public schools tackle energy waste this school year.
School Uplift is a year-long energy management training that helps public schools make smart energy choices that improve the classroom learning environment and save money through decreased energy use.
“School Uplift is another great example of TVA and North Georgia EMC’s investment in our community,” said Debra Brock, principal at Red Bud Elementary. “We learned so much through this program about how to make our school more efficient and comfortable, and I’m proud of our staff and students whose efforts earned this grant. We plan on investing the grant money in wheel chair swing for the upper grades playground and a greenhouse for the school garden that will improve our facility and make Red Bud Elementary an even better place for all students to learn and thrive.”
Red Bud Elementary School joins over 118 schools to have completed School Uplift over the past three years, competing to earn grants for building upgrades and other learning environment improvements. On average, participating schools save nearly 10% on their annual energy bills from behavior changes alone.
“Every dollar invested in our schools helps districts allocate resources to where it matters most – educating our children,” said Monika Beckner, vice president of TVA’s Energy Services & Programs. “We’re inspired by the winners of this year’s School Uplift grants and proud of their dedication to reducing energy waste and building a sustainable future for us all.”
TVA EnergyRight and North Georgia EMC are currently recruiting public K-12 schools for the 2025-2026 school year. Visit https://energyright.com/business-industry/school-uplift/ to express interest in participating in this exciting program.
About TVA
The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse, and cleanest energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future.
TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. Learn more at Energy System of the Future.
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About Gordon County Schools
Gordon County Schools system serves approximately 6,500 students in schools across the county including six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The mission of the Gordon County School system is to build a collaborative culture that engages all students and staff in learning experiences leading to growth, empowerment, and transformation.
Contact at Gordon County Schools:
Kendra Pannell
Communications Coordinator
Email: kpannell@gcbe.org
Phone: (706) 629-7366 ext. 8151
Website: www.gcbe.org