Saline school board approves $1.5M for solar roof installation and furniture purchases

The Saline Area Schools Board of Education convened on April 8, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including equipment purchases, facility renovations, and updates on ongoing projects.

The meeting commenced with a motion to replace a critical snow removal vehicle for the grounds department, which has been in service since 2003. Board members emphasized the vehicle's deteriorating condition, noting that it is essential for winter operations. The motion passed unanimously, ensuring the department is prepared for future winters.

Next, the board discussed the approval of furniture purchases for the Saline High School STEM addition, totaling $291,023. The funding will be allocated to various vendors, including Versus America and NBS Commercial Interiors. The collaborative effort involved input from multiple stakeholders, including instructional directors and robotics teams, to ensure the furniture meets the needs of students and enhances learning environments. This motion also passed without opposition.

The board then moved to approve the purchase of equipment for the middle school auditorium and music storage, amounting to $103,306.80. This update is part of a phased approach to modernize outdated facilities that have not seen significant improvements since the 1970s. The motion received unanimous support.

A significant agenda item was the approval of a solar roof mount installation at Saline High School, with a bid awarded to Yellow Light Incorporated for $1,052,461.82. This project aims to enhance sustainability efforts within the district, with plans for a student-led initiative to monitor energy production from the solar panels. The board expressed optimism about the project's timeline, aiming for completion by early fall.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve recommendations from Clark Construction Company for the Saline Middle School interior renovations, with a total budget of approximately $9.58 million. This includes funding from a bond approved for the project, which has seen cost escalations due to increased scope and inflation. The board discussed the importance of staying within budget while addressing necessary upgrades to the school facilities.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to improving educational environments and operational readiness, with several projects moving forward to enhance the infrastructure of Saline Area Schools.