How Brainerd Schools Plan To Cut Heating Costs This Winter

I know many people who carefully manage their heating and cooling in their homes to save a few dollars on their monthly electric bill.

Some folks swear by programmable thermostats, others bundle up in layers, and some will live in a house that feels like a walk-in freezer to save money.

WHEN THE TEMPERATURES START DROPPING

Me? I’m much better at keeping things cooler than hotter. My summer cooling bills can get a little steep because I can’t stand feeling warm and sticky. But once the temperatures start dropping, I’m in my element.

September and October are my favorite months because I can usually turn the thermostat off altogether and let nature do the work. Once winter rolls in, I still keep things on the cooler side. A sweatshirt and a pair of fuzzy socks can go a long way.

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A SIMPLE TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT CAN SAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS

The Superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools is thinking along the same lines. It turns out a simple temperature adjustment could make a massive difference for an entire school district.

SEEING THE POTENTIAL IN MAKING A SMALL ADJUSTMENT

Superintendent Peter Grant certainly sees the potential. He’s hoping to save the Brainerd School District a whopping $100,000 simply by lowering the heat. No new equipment, no complicated energy-saving gadgets. Nope. He's simply making a small change that could have a big impact.

WILL THE CHANGE BE MORE THAN JUST 'NOTICEABLE?'

Beginning this winter, Brainerd Public Schools will set their building temperatures at 68 degrees. That’s a noticeable shift from their usual 72 degrees, but still a perfectly comfortable temperature for most students and staff once you get used to it. Plus, it gives all the kids a chance to wear their favorite layered clothing. That was one of my favorite things about winter when I was in school.

MAKING CHANGES TO HELP WITH SIGNIFICANT BUDGET REDUCTIONS

This change comes at a critical time for the district. Brainerd Schools are currently working through a significant budget reduction of about $5 million for the 2026–2027 school year.

Savings like these won’t solve the entire problem, but every cost-cutting measure helps lighten the load. And unlike cutting programs or staffing, adjusting the thermostat is something that doesn’t directly impact the classroom experience, and it's just such a simple answer!

WILL OTHER SCHOOLS JUMP ON BOARD IN THE FUTURE?

If this experiment pays off, will it spark conversations in other districts across Minnesota? Energy costs add up fast, especially in a state where winter can last six months.

FOR THE LOVE OF LAYERING

Turning down the heat might be one of the simplest solutions schools have been overlooking. And honestly? If saving that much money is as easy as slipping on a sweater, it might be an idea worth warming up to. My understanding is they are doing the opposite in cooler months by setting the thermostat to 74. Although I would be pretty miserable at 74 degrees, I guess a personal fan wouldn't be off limits?