Under the current version of PPEL, about $8 million is generated each year for a range of building improvements, security enhancements, and efficiency upgrades. Some key examples include:
- Every school building has some amount of brickwork and masonry. One million dollars in PPEL funds is budgeted each year for repairs and maintenance.
- DMPS maintains more than 65 acres of school roofs. Last year, $700,000 in PPEL funds went towards roof repair and replacement.
- From parking lots to bus stops, every school has pavement on its property. The latest budget included $450,000.
- School buildings at DMPS total more than 6 million square feet, meaning many different types of flooring. More than $500,000 in PPEL funds is used to to polishing, repair or replace floors and carpets throughout the district.
- Safety is always a top priority, and PPEL funds have contributed in many ways. One example is security cameras to monitor our buildings. Today, more than 1,000 security cameras are installed throughout DMPS.
- DMPS is recognized as a national leader in energy efficiency, and PPEL funds have helped make that possible. One way has been converting all light fixtures throughout the district to LED lighting, which contributed to $175,000 in energy cost savings last year. These savings mean more money directed towards educational needs, including teachers.