Salem Community High School is going to look at the possibility of installing solar panels to help bring their electric costs down.
The board Monday night approved a new two-year contract with Homefield Energy for their electricity which is nearly three times higher than what they are paying under their current contract that is expiring. Jordan Haarman of Affordable Energy and Gas (AGE) says the difference in rates will raise the district’s electric costs about $74,000 a year to $120,000. However, the rate is still nearly three cents per kilowatt hour less than Ameren’s open rate.
Haarman suggested the school district explore solar as a way of bringing costs down. Under the program, AGE would seek bids from those who would build and maintain the systems with the use of tax credits while selling the power to the school at a cost as low as 2.5-cents per kilowatt hour.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering wants to look at the possibilities.
“What we would be looking at is something on the roof. We don’t have a lot of ground or space. We’re just looking into it as an investigation to try and cap or curtail some of our energy spend.”
In other action, the board agreed to seek a $50,000 state maintenance grant that will have to be matched with $50,000 in local funds. The money would be used to replace floor tiles in the summer of 2024. Detering notes some of the tiles still contain asbestos.
The board agreed to allow 13 early graduations if the students meet all graduation requirements.
The board approved the resignation of Randall Knaak as girls’ assistant basketball coach.
