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District explores EPA Community Change grant and solar for schools; board asked for a nonbinding letter of interest
Summary
A grant writer and energy‑services representatives told the board the EPA Community Change program could write about $6 million to the district as part of a city‑led $20 million application; board was asked for nonbinding support and asked administration for more details before any commitment.
Scranton School District officials and partners presented an opportunity on Aug. 26 to pursue an Environmental Protection Agency Community Change grant that could support solar installations and community resiliency hubs.
Joe Ricardo, the district—s development coordinator and grant writer, told the board the EPA award is competitive and that the city is the lead applicant on a $20 million Community Change grant. He said the district could be written in for up to $6 million and that the EPA is awarding grants on a rolling basis through November, with earlier submissions encouraged. "There's no match requirement," Ricardo said; he asked the board for a nonbinding letter of interest to strengthen the application narrative.
Schneider Electric personnel described how solar plus efficiency projects can be stacked with federal incentives (including Inflation Reduction Act credits) and other grant or utility incentives to reduce net district costs and to help fund related capital work — and how solar installations can be used as curriculum and STEM teaching tools on campuses.
Board members asked whether applying or being included obligates the district; presenters and administration said that the EPA does not require a board resolution to apply and that the district would not be contractually obligated to accept funds if awarded. Administration and legal staff said normal procurement and contract processes would govern any awarded work. Board members asked for additional detail and budgetary figures in the next board packet to evaluate the opportunity.
Administration said a resolution supporting the application would strengthen the narrative but is not required. If the grant is awarded, procurements and contracts would follow the district—s usual bidding and procurement rules; the award could also be scaled to the level of funding received.
