Area school districts will have the opportunity to participate and share ideas during a forum on energy consumption and management programs, according to State Senator David G. Argall (R-29).

Argall will host the forum on Friday at the Blue Mountain Middle School Cafetorium, 685 Red Dale Road, Orwigsburg, beginning at 8 a.m."As energy costs continue to rise year after year, many are facing considerable cost increases from 25 to 40 percent," Argall said. "The Energy Symposium can offer school districts ideas for lowering energy costs for taxpayers simply by sharing best management practices," Argall added.Jeff Ritschel, Supervisor of Building and Grounds for the Blue Mountain School District, will provide an overview of Blue Mountain's energy conservation program.Ritschel will highlight practices utilized by Blue Mountain School District, which initiated their energy program in May of 2005. As a result, BMSD has received the 2008 Energy Star rating from U.S. Department of the Environmental Protection Agency for four of its five buildings.