Elective Pay in Action
Schools can earn tax credits for clean energy projects - something that the private sector and households have been able to do for years. These technologies can improve aging facilities, lower operating costs, and make schools healthier for students.
While the July 2025 federal budget reconciliation law introduced new changes to many of the tax credits available to schools, checks from the IRS are continuing to arrive in the mailboxes of districts nationwide.
Seattle Public Schools in Washington receives a $7,970,439 check!
Seattle Public Schools had ground-source heat pump systems installed at three elementary schools. The district employed apprentices and met high-road labor standards in all three projects.
North Fayette Valley Community School District in Iowa receives a $873,483 check!
West Union Elementary School replaced its failing 1957 boiler with a ground-source heat pump system. Casper Plumbing and Heating, a local contractor, completed this $4.2 million project.
Oregon School District in Wisconsin receives a $73,761 check!
Oregon School District, home to Wisconsin’s first net-zero school, added a rooftop solar array to Oregon High School. Full Spectrum Solar, a local family-owned and operated business, completed this project.
Saint Paul Public Schools (Minnesota)
In 2023, St. Paul Public Schools District installed its first ground-source heat pump system for heating and cooling in the district, marking a significant step towards their goal of reducing emissions by 45% by 2030.
Amherst Regional Public School
Amherst Regional Public School’s new elementary school project is expected to secure around $1.6M in utility rebates and over $4M in federal reimbursements from the Inflation Reduction Act. With these combined incentives, the cost of installing ground-source heat pumps is projected to be lower than a traditional fossil gas heating system.
Menasha Joint School District in Wisconsin completes new net-zero middle school
The Menasha Joint School District expects to receive over $2 million in federal energy tax credits for a solar and energy storage micro-grid and ground-source heat pumps installed at the new Maplewood Middle School. The district worked with Wisconsin-based company Miron Construction on the project.