Middleton-Cross Plains board approves Phase 1 sustainability package but delays Sauk Trail geothermal

The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District Board of Education voted Feb. 10 to approve the district’s Phase 1 sustainability projects and funding plan as presented, but removed the Sauk Trail geothermal installation from the approval and will revisit that component in June.

The decision follows more than an hour of public comment and a lengthy board discussion weighing climate goals, projected savings, and uncertainty about federal incentives. The approved package (the board’s “option 1” as presented) includes solar and efficiency work across multiple schools, uses $3 million the district has committed from its long-term capital trust (Fund 46), and relies in part on utility incentives and guaranteed energy-savings projections provided by McKinstry.

Community members pressed the board to approve the most ambitious plan. Melissa Gavin, a Cross Plains resident and parent, told the board, “I’m asking you to take this moment to lead and to inspire and urge you to approve the original, the most ambitious proposal and approve all of the projects that are part of phase 1.” Kelly Hilliard, Middleton sustainability coordinator and staff liaison to the community sustainability committee, said…