Lansdowne, PA – October 15, 2024

On October 10, 2024, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visited the Ninth Grade Academy to observe the district’s efforts to modernize the facility and improve energy efficiency. This visit follows the June 29, 2023 announcement that the William Penn School District was awarded a $7.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Schools Program. William Penn is one of only 24 districts nationwide and the only one in Pennsylvania to receive this grant, which supports infrastructure modernization and energy efficiency improvements.

The project will include new heating and cooling systems, new LED lighting, and solar ready roofing, while providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. Superintendent Dr. Eric J. Becoats and Chief of Operations Darnell Deans led the tour, highlighting how the grant will bring long-lasting benefits to the school. They were also joined by Ninth Grade Academy Principal Rob Curry, WPSD School Board Director Jennifer Hoff, ninth grade student board representative Ismael Torres, US Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Dianne Herrin of Practical Energy Solutions, and KCBA Architects.

The William Penn School District remains committed to using the resources from this grant to improve learning environments and advance sustainability across all its schools. Secretary Granholm praised the district’s work, recognizing it as an example for schools nationwide. We thank her and her team for visiting with us and learning more about the Ninth Grade Academy and the innovative work that will be done there, as well as more about our district and community.