Washoe Country School District
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Mikalee Byerman
775.789.3838
mbyerman@washoe.k12.nv.us
Washoe County School District Harnesses the Sun
for Education & Savings
Board gives green light for solar systems at 23 schools
Reno, Nev., (June 21, 2010) - - At its last meeting, the Washoe County School District’s Board of Trustees approved the installation of photovoltaic systems at 23 schools by November 2010 in a notable nod to green technology, environmental educational and innovative cost-saving methods.
The project was initially funded through federal dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and future projects will be funded by rebates from NV Energy's Solar Generations program.
“Our commitment is to our students, staff and the community,” said Mark Stanton, chief of Capital Projects and Facilities Management. “The opportunity to install solar panels at these sites allows us to operate efficiently and conserve natural resources while we enhance classroom education and save the District money.”
The educational component of the systems: Active computer displays will be installed at each school site providing instructional aides and a hands-on experience for students. Real-time consumption and production data will be available, and sites will be able to compare their data to other schools that use similar solar energy systems.
Anticipated savings of $14,000 per year per site — totaling more than $300,000 annually — will be realized in the general fund, which is used to pay for teacher salaries and essential academic supplies like text books.
“We’re excited about our continued partnership with the Washoe County School District on this project,” said John Hargrove, project manager for energy efficiency & conservation, NV Energy. “We hope other school districts will follow their great example. This is yet another excellent opportunity for the school district to save money that can be invested in our children’s education. The solar panels will also make it possible for students to learn firsthand about the benefits of renewable energy.”
Solar installation work already is underway at Wooster High School and Esther Bennett Elementary School. Work soon will begin at the next two sites – Hug High School and Lois Allen Elementary School.
For information about summer construction projects, please visit www.wcsdfacilities.com and click on “2010 Summer Projects.”
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About Washoe County School District: The Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every child career and college ready. For more information visit: www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.
