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The Inflation Reduction Act and Schools: New Unlimited, Uncapped Reimbursements for Clean Energy Technologies
Room: 101
Time: 3:00pm – 4:15pm
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the largest investment in climate and clean energy in United States history. Billions of dollars are now available to schools to protect student health and learning, enhance resilience, reduce spending on infrastructure, and decrease emissions, all while addressing equity and environmental justice. Come learn about how to leverage these new dollars, what technologies are eligible for reimbursement, how to claim your credits, and how to think about your facilities investments with this opportunity in mind. Plus, hear from Yolo County Office of Education about how their new solar and storage microgrid will leverage these IRA dollars to generate $10 million in net savings over the life of the project.
This session has three parts. First, Stephanie Seidmon (UndauntedK12) will present about the new unlimited, uncapped reimbursements for 5 clean energy technologies available to public schools and nonprofits through the Inflation Reduction Act. Then, Matt Juchniewicz (Yolo County Office of Education) will present about their solar and storage microgrid, which just broke ground in August and will be leveraging these new tax credits. In fact, the tax credits are what made this project possible. Matt will share about the how the project is financed and its sustainability, resilience, and emissions reductions goals. James Richmond (First Note Finance inc) will present on additional grant opportunities for schools.
Learning Objectives:
1) Participants will understand the opportunity within the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits for schools.
2) Participants will know the 5 clean energy technologies eligible for reimbursement with these tax credits.
3) Participants will understand the basics of how the credit is calculated and how to get the maximum reimbursement.
4) Participants will use a real project example to see how the tax credits impact financing for a new solar and storage microgrid at Yolo County Office of Education.
5) Participants will know about additional grant opportunities available to schools.
Speakers:
Stephanie Seidmon, Program Director, UndauntedK12
Matt Juchniewicz, Director, Support Operations Services, Yolo County Office of Education
James Richmond, President, First Note Finance inc
Stephanie Seidmon (she/her) is the Program Director at UndauntedK12, where she plays a crucial role in advancing state and national strategies for promoting healthy, decarbonized, and climate-resilient schools. She leads initiatives in California, supporting the Climate Ready Schools Coalition’s advocacy, overseeing strategic projects, and expanding networks and partnerships. Stephanie brings a decade of experience in public education and climate justice advocacy, where she has served as a celebrated teacher and instructional leader in Louisiana, Mexico, and California.
Matthew Juchniewicz is an accomplished Facilities and Operations Leader with a visionary approach to strategic facility management, capital project leadership, and sustainability initiatives. He started his career at a very young age, working with his father at their family-owned janitorial services company. With over a decade of experience in facilities oversight, and 15 years of experience in the education sector. Matt has become a driving force in facility management with an approach that prioritizes operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.
As the Director of Support Operations Services for the Yolo County Office of Education (YCOE), Matt spearheaded the Yolo County Schools Resiliency and Sustainability Project, which will make history as the first independent microgrid for a county office of education in the United States. Despite limited resources, Matt’s leadership positioned YCOE as a national leader in energy resilience, cost efficiency, and climate action. This groundbreaking project serves as a model for other organizations looking to enhance their sustainability practices while improving operational outcomes. His tenacity also helped secure state funding through the School Facility Program for YCOE in nearly 4 decades.
James Richmond, CEM, brings 38 years experience in renewable and energy-efficiency project development and funding for public schools and non-profits, having developed $60M in grant funding in California alone. With a long history as an Energy Manager, James has a unique perspective on getting your energy savings projects started, funded, and completed. His firm, First Note Finance inc, is a Green Energy Champion, and a regular contributor to the Green Technology educational programs.