Ozark School District Receives National Recognition for Solar Energy Innovation

The Ozark School District has earned national recognition as a winner of the Smart Energy Decisions’ 2025 Innovation Award in the category of Onsite Renewable Energy for the project “Ozark Schools Lead the Way in Sustainability Through Solar Innovation.” This prestigious award highlights the district’s leadership in sustainability and innovative energy practices that directly benefit students, staff, and the community.

The award, based on a nomination by Jason Dial, Ed.D. General Sales Manager/Public Sector Consultant with Trane Technologies, will be formally honored alongside others in the energy and sustainability space at the Smart Energy Decisions Forum Fall event, Sept. 15-17, in Arizona.

The winning project showcases the district’s long-term commitment to sustainability by integrating solar energy solutions across its campuses. These efforts not only reduce the district’s environmental footprint but also generate significant cost savings that can be redirected to classrooms and student support initiatives.

In the spring and summer of 2024, Ozark installed solar panels at both West Elementary and South Elementary. The district also worked with an energy savings company to retrofit everything in the district to LED.

“We’re honored to receive this national recognition, and I want to thank both our previous district leadership and the current Ozark team for laying the foundation and bringing this project to life,” said Richie Fretwell, executive director of operations. “This award reflects years of collaboration, vision, and commitment to providing future-ready learning environments that are both fiscally and environmentally responsible.”

Fretwell stepped into the role of executive director of operations on July 1, 2025, following the retirement of long-time Ozark leader Dr. Curtis Chesick, whose leadership played a critical role in launching the district’s solar initiative.

The district’s work exemplifies its mission of preparing students for success while being good stewards of public resources. Through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking operations, Ozark Schools continues to align its facilities with its educational values, ensuring students are learning in spaces that reflect innovation, responsibility and opportunity.