LOWELL – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) applauded the selection of Lowell Public Schools as a winner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize and Grant program, which helps K-12 public schools make energy upgrades that will decrease energy use and costs, improve indoor air quality, and foster healthier learning environments for students and teachers.
Lowell Public Schools (LPS) will receive a $300,000 cash prize and enter into a cooperative agreement to unlock $15 million in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to improve 23 facilities.
“Students learn best when they’re in the classroom, and that can’t happen if extreme heat or a burst pipe forces schools to close,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “As a Lowell Public Schools graduate, I know this significant federal investment in upgrading our school buildings is long, long overdue. That’s why I’m proud of my vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which created this opportunity, and of our work with Senators Warren and Markey, Superintendent Skinner, Mayor Rourke, and City Manager Golden to compete for and win this funding.”
“Students in Lowell deserve a safe environment to learn in,” said Senator Warren. “This funding is powerfully important to protect our students and upgrade our schools to take on the worst of the climate crisis.”
“Every student in America—no matter their zip code—should learn in a safe and healthy environment, one that is contributing to a more sustainable planet for the next generation,” said Senator Markey. “I’m proud that Lowell Public Schools is leading the way to invest in energy efficiency and climate resiliency, so that students and school staff can keep learning safely and comfortably even during extreme temperatures. I am grateful to the Biden-Harris administration, Senator Warren, Congresswoman Trahan, and Lowell city officials for their efforts to provide this funding. We need to invest in schools what schools invest in us.”
“Providing safer, more comfortable, and more welcoming learning and working environments for Lowell students, teachers, and staff has been a priority of both the School Department and City Manager Golden’s team. We are excited about and grateful for this grant reward from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Schools Program and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, an impactful federal investment which will allow us to make much-needed repairs and upgrades to our school buildings, while also saving energy and reducing our carbon footprint. We are thankful for the advocacy of Congresswoman Trahan, and Senators Warren and Markey that helped make this initiative a reality,” said Lowell Public Schools Superintendent Liam Skinner.
“I am proud that our city has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy with this prestigious award. This investment is not just about upgrading our schools’ infrastructure; it’s about ensuring that every student in Lowell has a safe, comfortable, and conducive environment to learn and thrive. These funds will significantly improve our school facilities, enhancing the quality of education and the well-being of both our students and educators,” said Lowell Mayor Dan Rourke.
“Today’s recognition and funding represent incredible support for Lowell Public Schools,” said Lowell City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. “This investment will not only enhance our school facilities but also ensure that our students and educators have a safe, comfortable, and productive learning environment. We are deeply grateful for the support from Congresswoman Trahan, Senators Warren and Markey, and all our partners as we move forward with these critical improvements. The work of the entire City Administration, specifically DPW Commissioner Paul St. Cyr and Deputy Commissioner Katherine Moses from the DPW Sustainability Division, which was recently created by the Lowell City Council, is already paying dividends to the students and taxpayers of Lowell. As a recipient of phase 1 funding, the City is further eligible for up to $15 million in additional funding for Lowell’s schools.”
Nearly 80 percent of Lowell’s public schools lack cooling options, and non-functioning heating controls have led to excessively hot classrooms even during the winter. This has caused the district to close schools during extreme heat, including twice this past school year, and leaking, frozen, and burst pipes during the winter months. LPS will use this federal investment to identify school building energy opportunities, reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and increase stakeholder engagement. The district will partner with the City of Lowell, National Grid, UMass Lowell, and Solect Energy LLC.
Trahan, Warren, and Markey supported passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which created the Renew America’s Schools Prize and Grant program. The federal investments support energy improvement projects in K-12 public schools like new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, building envelope and lighting upgrades, alternative fuel (such as electric) vehicles and infrastructure, and renewable energy technologies.
