Board approves solar power purchase and easement for MetroEd site to expand district participation in shared project

The East Side Union High School District Board of Trustees voted Nov. 6 to approve the district’s participation in a solar energy power purchase agreement and associated solar easement with a MetroEd joint powers project. The board’s recorded action passed 5–0.

Staff described the background: MetroEd leadership and partner districts had begun installation work in a parking lot owned by San Jose Unified, which prompted a cease‑and‑desist and a pause while ownership, permitting and funding were clarified. The partner districts and San Jose Unified later negotiated funding, construction permits and interagency agreements to resolve the matter and advance the project.

Board members then considered the district’s recommendation to approve the negotiated agreements and join the multi‑district arrangement. Trustee Ariara moved the motion and Trustee Cortez seconded; the board registered unanimous support and the motion passed "Aye. Motion passed 5 0." No additional conditions were recorded in the public motion text.

What happened next: The board moved on to other public hearings and agenda items. The district did not publish a text of the contract in the meeting record; staff indicated prior interdistrict coordination had resolved the earlier site‑ownership concerns.

Why it matters: The agreement will allow East Side students and facilities (via the MetroEd site) to benefit from locally generated solar energy and the financial arrangements connected to multi‑district solar procurement. The board’s action follows correction of an initial permit/ownership issue and signals interdistrict coordination to proceed with construction and agreements.