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Stewartville board accepts donations to buy second "solar suitcase"; teacher recognized for STEAM work
Summary
The Stewartville Public School District board adopted a resolution accepting donations to buy a second solar suitcase built by students for use in Kenya or Uganda. Teacher Riley Bucheit raised nearly $3,000 through local fundraising and secured additional grants; the motion carried 7-0.
The Stewartville Public School District board on Monday accepted donations to support a student-led project to build a second "solar suitcase" for distribution to communities in Kenya or Uganda and recognized the teacher who led the effort.
Riley Bucheit, a high school science teacher, told the board the group raised just under $3,000 through candle sales and secured a $1,000 Operation Roundup grant from People’s Energy Co‑op and a $250 donation from the Olmsted County Farm Bureau. Bucheit said the district’s second suitcase will arrive March 7.
The donations were accepted by resolution. Board member Ravenhorst moved to accept the funds; board member Geist seconded. The vote was recorded as seven in favor and none opposed.
Bucheit described the project and how students are involved in fundraising and construction. “We just raised money for a solar suitcase, to purchase the second one. So, the total amount that we raised was just under $3,000,” Bucheit said. He said students sold candles at events and that several seventh‑ and high‑school students were heavily involved.
Board members and attendees noted publicity the project has received; Bucheit said local news outlets covered the work and that a story reached national attention. Board members praised the dual benefit of hands‑on STEAM learning for students and practical aid for communities that will receive the suitcases.
Bucheit and others described cost and funding details in public remarks: returning schools typically obtain suitcases for about $2,500; first‑time schools pay $3,500, he said. He also said the People’s Energy Co‑op grant is a reimbursement program tied to a regional round‑up fund and that additional grants could be sought in future cycles.
The board also recognized Bucheit’s nomination for a Southeast Service Cooperative STEAM/STEM educator award at the meeting.
The district will apply the donations to the solar suitcase project and may pursue additional grants and fundraising if the program continues. The trustee motion to accept the donations passed 7‑0.
