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Board approves Virginia Tech–designed solar drying kiln for North Surry High woodworking program
Summary
The board approved a proposal to build a Virginia Tech–designed solar drying kiln at North Surry High to support the woodworking curriculum and community use; presenter Brad Collins estimated the build cost at just over $2,000 and the board approved the project by voice vote.
The Surry County Schools Board of Education approved a proposal on June 29 to build a solar drying kiln at North Surry High School to support the woodworking curriculum and provide community drying services.
Brad Collins, who presented the project, said the kiln was designed by Virginia Tech and will teach students how to dry lumber correctly so it can be used for furniture and other projects. He described the kiln as roughly 14 feet long, 9.5 feet tall and 8 feet deep and said it uses three fans as the only powered components; future solar panels could allow off-grid operation.
Cost and community use: Collins estimated the build cost at "just over $2,000 for the entire thing," and said the program would work with community members who operate portable sawmills to bring logs to the school for student learning and community service. Board members asked clarifying questions and expressed support; a motion to approve was made and seconded, and the board voted in favor.
Why it matters: The kiln will allow career-technical education students hands-on experience "from cradle to grave" in the forestry-to-furniture process and could provide a community service for landowners with small sawmills who need help drying lumber.
Ending: The board approved the project and encouraged the presenters; no additional funding line or contract details were presented in the meeting transcript.
