Brad,
I need more information. There are fluorescent T8 light bulbs and LED T8 light bulbs. The LEDs are much, much better than fluorescent T8s. For specifics go to: http://www.taossunto.com/index.php/LED-T-8/
Tube fluorescent lights generate dirty electricity and contain mercury, which is a problem if the bulb breaks accidentally, particularly in a school setting, and the mercury becomes a serious problem if it is disposed of at a waste disposal site. Few people realize you need to treat these lights as toxic waste and take them to a toxic waste site for disposal.
To fill in the gaps below in your email: Cost of CFL has been reduced from $25 to $3 within just a few years due to demand. I expect cost of LEDs will come down the same way once consumers realize their value.
I agree you should encourage rather than discourage this student, however, it is important that all the facts are presented, not just cost/energy savings.
If indeed he is recommending the LED T8’s . . . he’s way ahead of the game. This is what governments around the world should be doing.
-magda