MiEnergy Vice President Member Services Kent Whitcomb and Solar Connections Commercial Solar Specialist Brok Johnson met with the Mabel-Canton School Board on Tuesday, May 21 to discuss the feasibility of installing a solar array at the school. No action was taken as there are more questions that must be answered.
The Minnesota Solar for Schools grant would cover up to 70% of the cost of the project, and the federal government’s 30% Elective Pay rebate is applied to the total cost of the project. The total of both the grant and the rebate cannot exceed the total cost of the project. Whitcomb said that if the school decides to move forward with the project, that “it’s not going to get better than this.” The next grant period opens July 1, 2024.
Even though Solar Connections has submitted two proposals, Superintendent Gary Kuphal informed the board that if the school decides to proceed with the project they will need to go out for an RFP.
Solar arrays are new for the City of Mabel and currently there is no one within the city that has solar panels. The city does have a solar ordinance and a permit in place.
Vice chair Chris Miller called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led his colleagues and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda as presented and the April 16 minutes as written.
Board members present included Cristal Adkins via Zoom, Chris Miller, Mark Weidemann, Dustin Tollefsrud, Jason Marquardt, Diane Wilder, and Traci McKenzie-Livingood.
There were no public comments.
Included in the consent agenda for approval were the 2023-24 budget, claims report, $2,500 to District Assessment Coordinator Paula Snell, and accepted her resignation; the retirement of Richard Bjertness as custodian, a $1,000 donation from the Minnesota Deer Hunter Association and Mabel Sportsmen Club for archery equipment, and a $1,000 donation from the Mabel-Canton Booster Club for band/choir trip transportation.
Student Representative Rachelle Tollefsrud provided an update, mentioning that prom occurred on May 4. She thanked the junior parents for organizing a fantastic post-prom event, describing it as fun. On April 24, there was a trip to Chanhassen to see “The Lion King.” Monday, May 20, seniors attended the baccalaureate, where the choir performed. The choir concert was held on May 9, followed by the band concert on May 13. Additionally, Friday, May 24, is the last day for seniors. Miller commented, noting the packed schedule towards the end of the school year.
Principal Michelle Weidemann announced that the school received a $1,200 grant from the TCUP (Telephone Cooperative Unclaimed Property) Foundation grant, courtesy of the Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company. The grant will be used to purchase presentation tools for faculty.
Superintendent Kuphal provided an update on his ongoing senior exit interviews, highlighting his engaging discussion with Yasmine Sader, the school’s foreign exchange student from Palestine. She comes from a very professional family, is fluent in five languages, and proficient in two other languages. Kuphal underscored the positive impact exchange students like Yasmine bring to both the school and its students.
Kuphal explained that the school decided to close early on Tuesday, May 21, due to anticipated high winds forecasted for the afternoon, particularly between 3-5 p.m. which is the same time when the buses are on the road.
Kuphal briefed the board on the status of the Iowa students’ situation. He intends to communicate with the parents through a letter, informing them that the school is at a dead end and is recommending that the parents pursue legal guardianship.
Kuphal informed that ISG extended invitations to approximately 150 social influencers to a focus group session scheduled on June 12 at 6 p.m. in the school library to discuss the potential bond referendum. However, due to conflicting schedules with both Canton and Mabel city councils meeting on the same day, the time will need to be pushed back. A revised invitation will be sent out. ISG and Krause Anderson will unveil concept drawings and cost estimates at the upcoming meeting with the school’s facilities committee. Subsequently, any revisions to the drawings and costs will be presented to the board at a special meeting in June.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
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