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SPLOST projects update: Clark Middle solar online; district pilots two electric buses
Summary
District facilities staff reported solar panels at Clark Middle are connected and generating (pending Georgia Power approval), multiple campus renovations are underway, and the transportation department placed two electric buses in service in August at a combined acquisition and charger cost of roughly $805,000; the district will monitor range and operating costs.
Facilities and transportation staff updated the Clarke County School District board on SPLOST-funded projects and a small electric-bus pilot.
District facilities reported that solar panels at Clark Middle School are connected and operational and that a dashboard will allow staff to monitor generation once Georgia Power gives final approval. Facilities staff also showed photos of interior renovations, a redesigned Cedar Shoals front lobby, an upgraded auditorium and athletic-field improvements, ongoing additions at Gaines Elementary, and a warehouse expansion. The presenter said the new solar array uses articulating panels to increase generation and that LED and other efficiency measures are being implemented across campuses.
Transportation staff reported two electric buses entered service in August. The district spent roughly $758,000 on the two buses and an additional $47,000 on charger installation; the buses have approximately a 100-mile range on a full charge. Drivers reported a smooth ride but staff are charging buses midday during the break-in period. District staff said they are tracking operational costs and expect to compare charging costs to diesel and propane across a longer run of data; staff cited a preliminary charging cost of about $45–$48 per charging day and shared diesel, gasoline and propane fill costs for context.
Facilities staff also reported about 1,400 work orders in the last 30 days, with roughly 1,200 completed and a backlog of about 500, and said the district is working on process improvements to reduce the backlog.
Next steps: staff will report ongoing solar-generation data and produce cost comparisons for the electric buses after a longer operational period.
