Bettendorf schools will get a much-needed upgrade starting this month. Today, the school district's Board of Directors approved new, LED lighting for all of its elementary, middle, and high schools.
Director of Operations Chris Andrus says fluorescent lighting in classrooms and halls has caused problems for staff and students.
The LED lights will cut energy costs in half, and the Bettendorf School District should see a 2-year return on investment.
Plus, the fluorescent lights are made of plastic and contain mercury. Andrus says employees spend a lot of time replacing bulbs, and they don't last as long as LEDs.
The LED lights will cost about 290-thousand dollars, but MidAmerican offers a 70 percent rebate on installation and materials.
There are 17,500 light fixtures in the Bettendorf School District. Workers will begin replacing lights in elementary schools during winter break, and the project should be completed by June.