Columbia, Tenn- Maury County Public Schools is excited to announce Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Spring Hill Elementary Schools have each won a $10,000 grant through the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) EnergyRight School Uplift program.  

School Uplift is a year-long energy management training program that helps schools make smart energy choices which improves the classroom learning environment while saving money through decreased energy use. TVA’s School Uplift program partnered with local power companies across seven states to help 98 public schools tackle energy waste.  

“The generous support from the Tennessee Valley Authority represents a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance our facilities while promoting energy stewardship,” said Spring Hill Elementary School Principal, Renata Powell, Ed. D. “We are deeply grateful for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s and Columbia Power and Water System’s investment in our school’s future and their continued commitment to empowering schools across the region.”  

Funding was awarded based on the score each school achieved by cutting energy waste, engaging their school community, and a needs-based assessment that determined which facilities could achieve the greatest energy savings. 

“We are very pleased and excited with the effort Spring Hill Elementary put into this program,” said Columbia Power & Water Systems Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Hardin. “This will enable administrators to improve facilities and make the school more efficient, healthy and comfortable for teachers and students. The faculty, staff, and students committed to prioritizing energy efficiency over the last school year and earned this grant through their hard work.” 

“Mt. Pleasant Elementary is extremely honored to be awarded a $10,000 TVA EnergyRight School Uplift grant,” said Mt. Pleasant Elementary School Principal, Julie Tidwell. “This funding will allow us to extend our STEM gardening program by building a greenhouse on our campus. This will provide an extensive learning environment for our students and staff, while giving students the knowledge of how to grow food for their families. We’re grateful to the Tennessee Valley Authority and Mount Pleasant Power System for investing in our school’s future and helping us take a big step toward greater energy stewardship.” 

“The Mount Pleasant Power System congratulates Mt. Pleasant Elementary School for their hard work on winning a TVA Uplift Grant,” said Mount Pleasant Power System General Manager, Al Kerstiens, P.E. “The grant from TVA will enable much needed improvements that will make the school more efficient and healthier for the students and faculty.  Great job, Mt. Pleasant Elementary!” 

Mt. Pleasant and Spring Hill Elementary Schools join over 323 schools that have completed the School Uplift program. 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 what truly matters – providing quality education for our children,” said Monika Beckner, vice president of TVA’s Energy Services & Programs. "We’re proud of the winners of this year’s School Uplift grants, who are dedicated to reducing energy waste and building a stronger, more sustainable future.” 

The mission of Maury County Public Schools is to provide the educational instruction, tools, and environment for every child to succeed in LIFE as Life-long Learners, Independent Thinkers, Fearless Innovators, and Exemplary Citizens.

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