How Klein has moved to more efficient operations, allowing redirection of funds to teaching and learning.

Recently, Klein ISD was honored with the FMXcellence Award.

This distinction recognizes five businesses across the country that are working to reduce operating costs without compromising service.

Remarkably, between 2008 and 2014, Klein ISD reduced its annual operating costs by more than 1/5th...

...while maintaining quality service in the district's more than 50 schools and facilities.

Back in 2008, the district began benchmarking areas within the facility departments and comparing those to industry standards.

We found there were substantial opportunities in custodial staffing and energy management to reduce costs.

Within a year, relying on attrition only, we were able to reduce the custodial staff to be within the benchmarked standards.

The district also secured funding to invest in upgraded custodial equipment so the quality of service would not decline.

The formation of a district-wide committee was created to focus on utilities.

The energy committee alone generated a savings of $500,000 in the first year.

And overall, between 2008 and 2014, the facilties management group was able to cut Klein's energy, custodial and maintenance expenses...

...from just over $4 to $3.18 per square foot.

It may not sound like much, but when you do the math, it's a cost savings avoidance of almost $25 million over the 6-year period.

Over the years, those funds have been put into the classrooms in the forms of new teachers...

...and the district has been able to give modest cost of living increases to all employees.

Being more efficient and being able to invest it in teaching and learning? That's good for the students of Klein and for the community.

I'm Bret Champion and that's Klein ISD in 90 seconds. See you next week.