School district revs up for green energy

The atmosphere was electric at the Dec. 11 La Conner School board meeting.

Campus solarization options lit up the room.

La Conner Town Council member MaryLee Chamberlain and resident Bob Raymond, of the Skagit Valley Clean Energy Cooperative, provided an update on local solar grant projects, including a feasibility study and analysis of energy consumption at the school district.

They made a pitch, eliciting a positive board reception, for the school district to convert to electric buses.

The two presented data that showed cost savings and environmental benefits of electric over diesel buses.

“It’s a beautiful time to enter this space,” said Chamberlain, who noted Raymond has conducted extensive research into grant opportunities for school districts converting to electric.

“We see the potential as amazing,” she said.

Nearly a dozen school districts in the Pacific Northwest have already switched, Chamberlain. said, including Orcas Island,

“You would be on the cutting edge in the Valley to have electric buses,” Chamberlain said.

She conceded there would be start-up costs incurred and the need for maintenance training, but the district would save money in the long run.

“These buses last a long time,” she said. “There are no fuel costs. The drivers love them and the kids are calmer because they’re quieter.”

The two said access to grant funding is a key reason districts are considering making the move

Board members affirmed their support to pursue the electric buses option and grant application process.

In the present, more students than anticipated are enrolled. Finance Director David Cram reported that 498 full-time K-12 students are on the rolls this year. Cram had estimated a student count of 490 in August prior to the start of classes.

“I actually thought we’d hit 500,” Cram said.

That may yet happen, said Superintendent Will Nelson.

He told board members that two or three students are believed to be transferring soon.

The state provides approximately $11,000 per pupil in funding support. The district has weathered painful budget cuts to offset declining student population.

The 90-minute hybrid meeting began with Nelson administering oaths of office to Kim Pedroza and new member Alana Quintasket – both ran unopposed – and to John Agen, who won a contested election for the Swinomish director district in November.

Board President Susie Deyo was a unanimous choice to remain chair of the five-member governing body in 2024.

“She’s done a fabulous job since I’ve been on the board,” said Agen in nominating Deyo. “I would love for her to continue in that role.”

Board member J.J. Wilbur was nominated and unanimously approved as vice-president.

Pedroza will serve as liaison to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, which administers extracurricular school programs statewide.