South Central District to Pursue Solar Energy Project

South Central school board members Tuesday voted to request proposals on the creation of solar energy fields at each of the district's three campuses in hopes of holding down energy costs.

Those bidding on the project are seeking tax credits that would cover 85% of the construction costs.

An acre to 1-1/2 acres of land have been identified at the South Central high school, middle school and grade school campuses.

South Central Superintendent Kerry Herdes said the goal is to keep the district's electric rate at around five cents per kilowatt hour for the next 20 to 25 years. The current rate is 4.83 cents per kilowatt hour.

The Board will review the proposals at their August meeting.

South Central board members reviewed the district's ESSER III grant request to the federal government. The funds would cover a state of the art bathroom that would also aid in cleaning and sanitizing. There would also be funds for two new buses and pay for staff who have asssisted students who have fallen behind due to remote learning because of COVID-19 .

The South Central board also approved a three-year contract agreement with support staff members including a $1/hour increase from minimum wage adjustments in Illinois. The Board also approved Jordan Geiler as assistant high school cheerleading coach, approved the resignation of Kasey Spangenberg as a support staff member, hired Danielle Chasteen as a part time Psychology teacher, and approved a leave for Betty McElyea beginning August 29.