The Miami Valley School has received a $250,000 grant award from the Ohio Department of Development for energy efficiency improvements, the largest environmental sustainability grant in the school’s history.

This historic grant for MVS is part of a collective $8 million in grant funding awarded to 35 projects in 18 Ohio counties to benefit municipalities, educational institutions, businesses, and nonprofits. The school will use its grant award to upgrade its facilities to LED lighting, resulting in a projected utility savings of 16 percent. 

MVS Director of Environmental Sustainability Anne Griffith spearheaded MVS’ grant application, with essential support from Director of Facilities & Grounds Joe Smith, Assistant Head of School Deb Spiegel, Chief Financial & Operating Officer Ann Smith, Director of Advancement Heather Leppla, and Head of School David Long. 

The grant funding was awarded through the Energy Efficiency Program for Ohio Communities (EEPOC), which was created to help municipalities, businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions complete energy efficiency retrofits in existing buildings.  

“Projects like these not only contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future, but they also play a crucial role in bolstering local economies and enhancing quality of life,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “Something as simple as installing LED lights can create enough savings that will allow these Ohioans to reinvest their money in what really matters, like growing their business or supporting their residents.”

“We’re grateful to the Ohio Department of Development for this EEPOC grant, which will be incredibly impactful in helping The Miami Valley School achieve its overall objectives in environmental sustainability,” said Anne Griffith, Director of Environmental Sustainability. “We look forward to making our campus more energy efficient and using the opportunities created by this grant to reinvest in our students, families, and Dayton community as we grow our role in serving the Dayton region,” said David Long, Head of School.