By Saveria Farino
McKinstry Innovation Center installed light upgrades to select schools throughout the Clark County School District, including Coronado, on Tuesday, Oct. 3, with light emitting diode (LED) technology.
“They save about ninety percent of energy. They also take away shadows when reading, so everything is clearer. Also they last about 10 times longer than the old ones,” Mr. King, assistant principal, said.
Fluorescent lamps (bulbs) and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps have been in CCSD classrooms to auditoriums since the schools have opened. HIDs take timely maintenance to replace them, use more energy, and have become costly unlike the new LEDs. By replacing the old lights, the school will save about 80 percent of the money that would go towards electricity.
“I’m all about illumination whether it be illuminating minds or illuminating classrooms. As long as we can bring light to the students, then mission accomplished. Viva la Coronado,” Mr. Johnson, U.S. History teacher, said.
The LEDs will drastically decrease the amount of electricity used in schools. Maintenance and electricity costs will diminish significantly. The education environment for students and teachers will also improve by optimizing light levels to and create a comfortable classroom. Benefits for teachers include less glare on their white boards or smart boards.
“The new lights they installed make it a lot easier for me to see the board because there is no glare. For me it’s also a lot easier to concentrate,” Kiana Azucenas, 11, said.
McKinstry will continue to install the LEDs during after school hours and overnight.The light fixtures in classrooms and hallways won’t change, but there will be noticeably different light levels that will meet the Southern Nevada Health District and Illuminating Engineering Society rules and guidelines.
