School & District Management Video

How One District’s Energy Savings Paid for Higher Teacher Salaries

By Lilia Geho — October 20, 2022 3:31
zoom 0.00 32 35 20.Still001 BS

Five years ago, Arkansas’ Batesville School District had some of the lowest teacher salaries of the five districts in its county. But legislation passed by the state in 2019 that enabled nonprofits to receive the net metering of the energy they produce as a profit changed all of that. The district is working toward a goal of becoming net zero, effectively paying nothing for its utilities. That savings has enabled the district to bring teachers salaries up to the highest of the districts in the county. At the same time, Batesville has taken the opportunity to incorporate lessons on the science of solar, and visits to its solar array, into its curriculum.

Lilia Geho was the video production intern for Education Week.

Video

School & District Management Video This District’s Solution to Teacher Burnout? 4-Day School Weeks
A small Ohio district uses a four-day school week to recruit and retain teachers, while improving their work-life balance.
2:38
Teaching Video Teachers, Try This: Graphic Novels to Enhance Any Subject
By incorporating graphic novels in the classroom, students can see themselves reflected in the characters, while covering timely topics.
2:06
060525 TTT Graphic Novels BS
Courtesy of Tim Smyth
Student Well-Being Video How a School Has Changed Its Menu After Losing USDA Funds for Local Food
The loss of a USDA local food grant has forced menu changes at this rural Tennessee school district, and local farmers have lost business.
Artificial Intelligence Video What Teachers Need To Level Up Their AI Use: 4 Lessons Learned
Two teachers and a researcher discuss how educators are experimenting with AI during an Education Week K-12 Essentials Forum.
4 min read
Katelyn Webster, from left, Eryn Miller, Grace Bischoff, and Hanna Pearsall take notes as Amanda Pierman teaches her upper school science class at The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Fla., on Feb. 10, 2025. Pierman uses AI to help teach her classes and the student’s computers mirror the main screen. They are then able to answer questions live using their computers.
Katelyn Webster, from left, Eryn Miller, Grace Bischoff, and Hanna Pearsall take notes as Amanda Pierman teaches her upper school science class at The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Fla., on Feb. 10, 2025. Pierman uses AI to help teach her classes and the student’s computers mirror the main screen. They are then able to answer questions live using their computers.
Josh Ritchie for Education Week