Board opens discussion on district solar project; staff to seek second proposal and emphasize timing for incentives

District administrators presented a proposed solar energy project July 28 and asked the board for policy direction; members asked staff to bring a second vendor for comparison and more complete project numbers at the next meeting. The board emphasized the need for detailed cost estimates, roof and electrical assessments, and clarity on leasing versus owning panels. Administration said Allied Facility Partners was recommended because it is local, part of an Illinois purchasing cooperative (so no separate bidding required) and had positive work with neighboring districts. Allied’s preliminary proposal described lifetime benefits and estimated project costs, but staff told the board the firm would need time to complete detailed structural and electrical assessments before final pricing could be offered. Board members raised several practical questions: whether incentives cited in Allied’s materials were guaranteed, how upfront costs would be financed, and whether to retrofit existing roofs now or as part of a coordinated plan. Administration said some incentives require projects to be started by summer 2026 to qualify and that fully commissioned systems would likely be operational by late 2027 if projects start on schedule. Members asked for a clear comparison of leasing (power purchase agreements) versus ownership; staff agreed to invite a second vendor to the August 11 meeting to present that alternative. Members also discussed prioritizing buildings where roofs are new or already scheduled for repair (examples mentioned included Briargate and Oak Knoll) and the transportation center as a candidate for covered arrays that could support future electric bus charging. The board did not take formal action but directed staff to return with a second vendor proposal and more comprehensive cost and timeline information.