Matanzas HS Ext Back Entrance - Photo credit: Chuck Coates

Matanzas High School new central energy plant has already earned a $220,000 energy rebate to offset district costs; Flagler Palm Coast High School’s central energy plant upgrades already earned a $293,000 energy rebate; Matanzas High School improvements on track for Spring 2027 completion.

Matern Professional Engineering, a multi-disciplined building systems and commissioning engineering firm, and the Flagler Schools announced the successful modernization of the central energy plant at Flagler Palm Coast High School, with upgrades to Matanzas High School, another high school within Flagler Schools, currently underway. The projects represent a strategic, system-wide approach to reducing operational costs across the district.

The central energy plant at Flagler Palm Coast High School came online in December 2025 and is projected to save the district over 213,000 kilowatt-hours (KWH) annually. The project has earned the district an energy rebate of $293,000 to offset district costs and accelerate the return on investment, which is estimated at under five years when coupled with these rebates. An additional rebate is anticipated through the installation of thermal storage technology at the campus, with further savings possible under the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit – 26 U.S. Code §48E.

The upgrades at Matanzas High School have been more complex, coinciding with another major project on the campus. Construction completion is set for Spring 2027. By reusing and elevating existing infrastructure at Flagler Palm Coast High School and expanding the plant at Matanzas, the district saved more than $1 million in construction costs.

Rather than pursuing piecemeal fixes, Matern and Flagler Schools took a system-wide approach, conducting assessments and feasibility studies to identify the most economical, maintenance-friendly solutions for these campuses. Through value engineering exercises, the project teams adjusted their approach to address budget constraints, including the impacts of tariffs and COVID-era cost escalations, without sacrificing quality or design intent.

The initiative was led by Kory Bush, Director of Plant Services at Flagler Schools; Mike Metz, Supervisor of Plant Services at Flagler Schools; Brett Galt, Project Manager of Plant Services at Flagler Schools; Ryan Strandquest, LEED AP, President of Matern Professional Engineering; and Daniel Mahler, PE, Mechanical Engineer at Matern. Their combined expertise in HVAC modernization, energy optimization, and rebate strategy ensured both improved performance and financial responsibility for the district.

"Matern has always understood our pain points when it comes to budget," said Bush. "From the onset, Ryan took the time to explain our options, lay out the pros and cons, and roll back the technical language so we could easily understand and make informed decisions together. It was clear he cared about our student body, administration, and our community. As stewards of taxpayer money, we needed a partner who could help us find the most economical path forward, and Matern delivered."

"Public school districts across Florida are facing the same challenge: aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, and limited budgets," said Strandquest. "What we accomplished with Flagler Schools proves that with the right collaboration and a strategic approach to rebate programs and energy optimization, districts can make transformative improvements without breaking the budget.  If district engineers are not informing and taking advantage of programs like the Inflation Reduction Act, they are leaving significant value on the table. We have to find ways to think more like a business to create better learning environments for the current student body, faculty, and future generations."

Flagler School’s thermal storage system optimizes energy usage by generating cooling capacity during off-peak hours at lower rate structures, resulting in meaningful cost savings for taxpayers. While not classified as a traditional sustainability measure, the approach delivers real financial returns and reduced energy demand during peak periods.

The collaboration between Matern and Flagler Schools is positioned as a model for how Florida school districts can leverage HVAC infrastructure to reduce energy costs, capitalize on available rebate programs, and demonstrate responsible use of public funds.

About Matern Professional Engineering

Matern Professional Engineering is a multi-disciplined building systems and commissioning engineering firm serving clients throughout the eastern United States. Headquartered in Florida, with four offices across the state, Matern is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company. This ownership structure fosters a culture of collaboration, dedication, and a shared commitment to client success. The firm's personalized approach prioritizes innovative solutions and ensures successful project outcomes for clients in a variety of sectors. Matern is licensed in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. Learn more at https://matern.net.