The Ohio School Facilities Commission recently approved $108 million for construction trade contracts in 29 school districts.

The funding brings the commission’s contract approvals to more than $502 million since the start of the calendar year.

Among the schools receiving funding are Akron Public, Eaton Community City, Green Local, and Otsego Local school districts as well as the Mid-East Career and Technology Center, according to the OSFC.

“These 104 trade contracts represent a continuing investment in Ohio’s schools,” OSFC Executive Director Richard Hickman said in a release. “Ohio’s ongoing school construction and renovation program is not only delivering high quality educational facilities, but it is also providing good jobs in lean economic times.”

Since it was established in 1997, OSFC has disbursed more than $9.5 billion in state funding for school construction and renovation.

Energy Conservation: The OSFC separately approved three districts to participate in the Energy Conservation program at anticipated annual savings of more than $210,000.

Projects in the Campbell City (Mahoning County), South Euclid Lyndhurst City (Cuyahoga County), and Bloom Carroll Local (Fairfield County) school districts will be completed under the program.

“Reducing energy costs and consumption is a major goal for school districts,” Executive Director Hickman said. “The $210,000 in annual savings generated through the HB264 program will allow these three districts to upgrade their facilities and become more energy efficient. Furthermore, the energy savings will cover the cost of the financing used to fund the projects.”

The Campbell City project will involve upgrades to lighting and building controls and other energy improvements in two buildings. The district estimates $76,884 in annual energy and operational savings.

The South Euclid Lyndhurst City project will include lighting upgrades to eight buildings and other improvements with an estimated annual and operational savings of $73,800.

The Bloom Carroll Local project includes upgrades to lighting and building controls in three buildings and boiler replacements. The district expects $50,926 in annual savings.