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Bigfork site busy for summer; district Solar project at early planning and soil sampling stage
Summary
District leaders reported a range of summer learning and activity programs at Bigfork and other sites, and board members discussed a proposed solar array near the Edge Center in Bigfork. Staff said soil sampling has been done and that the project would include curricular components when operational.
Board members heard a summer operations update and an overview of a proposed solar array near the Edge Center in the Bigfork area during the district’s June 16 meeting.
Ken (board report presenter) said the district runs multiple summer programs at school sites: an elementary Summer Learning Academy in the mornings, 4‑H club in the afternoons, early childhood special education services, high school credit recovery, and athletic camps. He also noted maintenance and contractor work at district buildings and said the district is doing planning and preparation during the summer to reduce disruptions during the regular school year.
When asked about the solar project, Ken said the district began receiving information last summer and engaged with companies that develop school solar installations. He said the Bigfork site adjacent to the Edge Center is one of the few district locations that appears suitable because of available green space and roof limitations at other sites. "Any power not being used is sold back onto the grid, so it becomes a revenue offsetter," Ken said, and he added vendors highlighted curricular uses: "There'd be some instructional value to having it here. There's a website. They can get on it. They can see the power being generated. They can see how much is being used. They can see how much is being sold back onto the grid."
A board member asked about the contractual requirement for a curricular element tied to the project; Ken confirmed that curricular components are part of the agreement. Kara and Superintendent Gross were identified as likely to have additional details about funding and timeline. Ken said soil samples were taken recently and vendors had visited the site to confirm feasibility.
Another board member expressed earlier skepticism about the district pursuing solar, noting concerns about reliability and that solar works only when the sun is shining. "One of the things that did help me with this and make me feel differently about it is a curriculum," the member said, adding that students should learn about both strengths and shortfalls of energy options.
No final decision was made at the meeting about construction or financing; staff said timing and funding availability had been uncertain earlier in the process. Board members asked staff to continue to monitor timelines and to capitalize on instructional opportunities during site preparation and construction.
