Board hears Crestview solar proposal: $840K project, $252K grant, ~4.6‑year payback

Colleen introduced representatives from the McClure Company, which presented a ground‑mounted solar array plan for Crestview. McClure said the project’s total installed cost is approximately $840,000; the district has been awarded a $252,000 Solar for Schools grant and, after investment tax credits and rebates (estimated at roughly $329,000), the net out‑of‑pocket cost could be approximately $250,000.

McClure reviewed technical details: the array site sits behind the school with possible tree impacts depending on final layout; company representatives said they will attempt to preserve trees where feasible but may remove and replace them with vegetative buffers if necessary. The vendor said the array will have a perimeter security fence (chain link, ~8 feet) with keyed gates, no permanent night lighting, and inverters that operate with minimal daytime noise. They emphasized interconnection timing with local utilities and warned of calendar risks tied to tax‑law safe‑harboring (noting a July 4 threshold that affects qualifying for incentives and a recommended procurement/purchase window around June 12).

Board members asked about roof alternatives, long‑term maintenance, and construction staging during school operations; McClure said the RFP response focused on the ground array, offered annual maintenance and warranties, and emphasized safety procedures and job walks to manage on‑site construction around pickup/setdown. There was no final contract vote; administration said a McClure contract will appear on the April 23 agenda for board action.