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player ready...Barrington School District 220 is moving forward with plans to spend $7.7 million to install solar panels on the roofs of three school buildings.
At a school board meeting last month, seven board members gave a thumbs up to David Bein, district assistant superintendent of business services, to move forward with legal review of a potential contract to install solar panels at Barrington High School, Barrington Middle School- Prairie campus and Barrington Middle School- Station campus.
After a lengthy board presentation at the July 11 board meeting on various leasing or ownership models, Bein recommended the board make a $7.7 million initial investment for ownership which would result in $5.5 million in rebates and incentives, with a return of $3.7 million to the district in the first year.
The investment would be covered by the district’s current capital funds budget, he said.
Board members agreed it would be a “win-win” for the district due to the long-term energy cost savings and would be in line with the district’s stewardship strategic plan.
“We feel this is an important consideration as we look to the future,” Bein told the board, adding that his team looked at sustainable energy options across the district and various providers throughout the last seven months. “Solar is a viable option.”
However, Bien said it would be cost-prohibitive to install the panels on the smaller elementary school buildings and more efficient at the high school and two middle schools. A 30% federal tax credit, along with solar renewable energy credits, played a key role in the recommendation.
“The financial aspects of this are looking bright,” he said.
After legal review, designs would come before the board for final approval. That would be expected to happen sometime in the winter. Bein said his timeline reflects installation next summer.
Also at the meeting, the board listened to an update on student enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year which reflects a gradual trend downward based on changes in area demographics.
Additionally, new Superintendent Craig Winkelman shared an update on construction at Barrington High School. The front atrium addition at the high school is expected to be completed in the fall. Meanwhile, the parking lot in front of the high school is being renovated. This fall, student drivers will be able to exit into the Hart Road lot on the west side of the building.
Lastly, Winkelman announced the appointment of Tracy Harper, formerly of Township High School District 214, as the district’s new director of student information.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer.