Petersburg ISD Updates Stadium Lighting

Petersburg ISD recently completed the total replacement of lighting at Buffalo Stadium.  The previous lighting was installed in the 1960’s and utilized wiring that had deteriorated significantly.  Each year, PISD has had to locate and splice underground lines at significant expense, as well as search for someone to either climb the poles, or rent a bucket for light replacement.  In addition, the height of the poles (up to 85’) required either that the poles be climbed for light replacement or a bucket able to reach the 85’ level had to be leased.  The cost for leasing a bucket truck annually was prohibitive and the one time investment involved in replacing the wiring, lighting, and poles all at one time will pay dividends annually, not only in repair savings, but in energy savings as well.

Replacing the eight existing 75-85’ poles with four 60’ poles allowed PISD to realize significant savings when bulb replacement occurs and will eliminate the need for any future wiring repairs.  High efficiency 1500 watt sport lighting placed on the poles will decrease the annual electric expense significantly as well. 

The lighting project required the coordination of several entities and staff to make it successful.  “We had solicited bids for the replacement of our stadium lighting two years ago, when we were faced with several thousand dollars worth of repairs’, said Nichols.  “When the bids came in at over $150,000, we tried to get by a little longer.  Lockney ISD had experienced a similar situation and, with input from Lockney superintendent Phil Cotham, we began to look at how we could redo our lighting in the same manner they did, utilizing cost cutting measures while receiving quality equipment.  We feel that we will be able to accomplish that goal and are appreciative of all involved in helping us do so.”

“The two bids for turnkey lighting replacement were prohibitive, so we began to look at ways we could accomplish our goals at a much lower price”, he continued.  “We contacted Mr. Bill Harbin of Lighthouse Electric, and he very graciously agreed to assist us in removing the old poles and setting the new ones.  He also assisted us in securing the use of a crane for this part of the project, and provided the rigger for the crane as well.  Dart Carthel of Lockney secured the lights, brackets, wiring, and supplies for us at cost.  Mr. Carthel submitted a bid for the labor and also helped to coordinate all the different aspects of the project.” 

“We really appreciate the help of all involved”, said Nichols.  “You hate to list people, because you don’t want to leave anyone out, but we are especially grateful to Mr. Harbin, Danny Nixon and the Lighthouse crews that worked so hard for us as a community service.  Some of them were out here until nearly 11:00 p.m. one night helping Dart direct the lighting.  Lockney ISD director of maintenance Kenny Hooten was out there helping as well and was very helpful in answering questions along the way.  Randy Mayfield, PISD maintenance director was involved in all aspects of the project from the start, as well as assisting in the general maintenance of the area.  County Commissioner Mario Martinez and his crew helped move the old poles away from the field and shape up the whole stadium grounds, including the track.  The beautiful football field is the result of the hard work of several people, but in particular due to the summer efforts of Coach O’Malley.”

The total cost of the project came to about $44,000, which includes approximately $4,000 paid to XCEL Energy for converting from 240 volts to 480 volts.  “We are really proud of the improvements to Buffalo Stadium”, Nichols said.  “We are even prouder of the fact that we were able to accomplish these improvements at a reduced cost due to the assistance provided us by so many in our community.  We are deeply indebted to them”.

“Our focus in the past couple of years has been on repairing and renovating classrooms and our building infrastructure”, continued Nichols, “and we have been able to accomplish significant improvements there.  We now have a state of the art technology infrastructure, utilizing approximately $200,000 in federal erate funds to provide fiber optic cable, over 340 new computer drops, six new servers, wireless connectivity, and improved software and hardware in the classrooms, as well as a new phone system.”

“In addition, we replaced the flooring in nine classrooms, both libraries, and all three offices during the summer of 2008, and completed a total renovation of our electrical infrastructure on the secondary campus.  Our plans for next summer include renovation of the electrical infrastructure on the elementary campus and further erate funded technology improvements, including wireless access at all points of our campus and a possible conversion to VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) for all our district communications.  We will also be introducing a new website in the weeks ahead.”