Energy Association of Iowa Schools

About

Background

“We need assistance and advice,” shared a school superintendent during a market research focus group, “not products. Right now, the only day-to-day energy information we receive is from people wanting to sell us something.” Another school superintendent added, “Being (organized as a) nonprofit is important, with the goal of saving schools money.”

Research concluded that an organization offering energy assistance specific to the unique needs of Iowa schools did not exist. Further investigation found that an organization serving all of Iowa’s schools, including public and private preK-12 school districts, community colleges, and public and private colleges/universities also did not exist.

Research revealed a need for, and Iowa schools’ willingness to join, an association in order to gain access to energy knowledge, resources and services. This is why the Energy Association of Iowa Schools (EAIS) was created in December 2011.

EAIS is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to contribute to Iowa’s education system by positively supporting the energy management goals, responsibilities and budgets of Iowa’s schools.

Board of Directors

EAIS is a grassroots organization whose services are based on school-identified needs. Five school superintendents, representing each of Iowa’s four congressional districts and one at-large, have committed to providing guidance on the EAIS board of directors:

District 1 – Mary Jo Hainstock, Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District
District 2 – Russ Reiter, Oskaloosa Community School District
District 3 – Willie Stone, Corning and Villisca Community School Districts
District 4 – Darrin Strike, West Fork Community School District
At-Large – Charles Elbert, Davenport Assumption

To gain additional input, the EAIS board of directors has designated and appointed a finance committee consisting of school superintendents and business managers to advise EAIS on its school membership fees and other related startup considerations.

EAIS began actively marketing association E-membership and related services in March 2012.