Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sustainability Energy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District updates on solar, efficiency projects and approves bond sale to fund sustainability work
Summary
McKinstry updated the board on completed efficiency measures, solar and EV charging installations; trustees approved sale of a $1,525,000 promissory note and a related financing package that the administration said will fund energy projects and reduce interest costs compared with prior estimates.
The Milton Cross Plains Area School District received an update on Aug. 25 from McKinstry on energy efficiency and solar projects and approved a financing package the administration said will help fund the work.
McKinstry representative Sean Curry reported that many efficiency measures have been completed over the summer, including building‑envelope sealing, refrigeration and kitchen hood controls, water conservation measures, and duct and ceiling work at the high school. Pool upgrades and generator block‑heater work are nearly complete, Curry said. The district has begun racking solar at Sauk Trail and has received approved interconnection applications for Middleton High School, Glacier Creek and Sauk Trail.
Curry also said park elementary roof replacement was finished to facilitate rooftop solar and that EV charging infrastructure (Level 2 at the operations cold‑storage building and Level 3 charging commissioned) is in place.
On financing, district financial advisors summarized two financing actions: a privately placed promissory note sale of $1,525,000 (series 2025B) and an earlier $5,725,000 sale tied to the sustainability program. Administration said the transactions were well subscribed, executed as private placements (Huntington Bank among participants) and that the combined financing is expected to avoid roughly $600,000 of interest cost compared with earlier estimates. The district expects funds to be available Sept. 9 to pay project invoices.
Board members asked about coordination with facilities staff, shading and structural limitations for rooftop solar and whether solar‑powered street lights might be feasible; McKinstry said siting, shading and structural capacity guide where solar panels are placed and that feasibility varies by use case.
Why it matters: The work affects district operational costs, the capital plan and sustainability goals. The board approved the financial instrument to fund projects during the meeting; McKinstry reported tangible installation progress at multiple schools.
The board approved the finance resolution in the meeting record by motion and voice vote; the transcript shows the board chair announced the motion passed and staff said the funds would be available in early September.
