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Winnett Public School: Bringing Critical Energy Upgrades to Montana’s Most Rural Communities

Winnett Public School: Bringing Critical Energy Upgrades to Montana’s Most Rural Communities

In the heart of central Montana sits Winnett, the only town in Petroleum County, a vast and sparsely settled region. The county is the smallest in Montana and among the least populated in the United States. Winnett Public School, the county’s only school, serves a small number of students with a dedicated staff, creating an intimate learning environment where each student receives close attention.

Despite its small size, the school faced various energy and infrastructure challenges. Its main heating system relied on an aging coal-fired boiler from the 1960s that required frequent maintenance. Additionally, the backup fuel-oil boiler was outdated, making reliable heating difficult. Fuel deliveries were also often unpredictable, and the open-air coal storage added further complications.

Recognizing the urgent need for upgrades, Winnett Public School applied for the Renew America’s Schools grant and received it in June 2023. The school received $1.74 million in combined federal and matching funds, enabling energy and safety improvements that would have been impossible to fund locally. McKinstry was selected the following year to manage construction and oversee the upgrades, which are scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

The project included several major improvements. The coal-fired boiler was replaced with a high-efficiency propane system supported by a tank farm. Variable frequency drives were added to improve energy efficiency and extend equipment life. New fan coil units and an intake hood were added to bring fresh air to high school classrooms, and weatherization work, including sealing windows and doors and upgrading insulation, reduced heat loss and operating costs.

“These upgrades were crucial because they extend the life of the school’s heat plant and operational systems, helping the school continue to function safely and efficiently for years and even generations to come,” said Bob Moore, Account Executive for McKinstry.

The impact of the project reaches beyond energy efficiency. For students and staff, the improvements create a safer and more reliable learning environment. Heating is consistent even during harsh Montana winters, and maintenance demands are lowered. For the broader community, the project reinforces the school’s role as a vital hub, showing how federal funding can strengthen rural infrastructure and support isolated communities.

Petroleum County itself highlights the need for such investments. Despite its name, there is no petroleum production in the county. The local economy is primarily ranching, with few taxable businesses and limited ability to fund major infrastructure. Grants like the Renew America’s Schools award are essential to keeping schools and public buildings operational in rural areas like Winnett.

For the students, staff and families of Winnett, the project ensures the school remains safe, functional and energy-efficient for years to come, a critical investment in the future of one of Montana’s most remote communities.