Octorara to host community Q&A on proposed solar project
When: Octorara school board meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 17.
What happened: The board announced a Monday question-and-answer session for the community on the proposed construction of a solar generating system. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the hub inside Octorara Area Middle School, 228 Highland Road, Atglen.
Background: For several months the district has been negotiating with Harrisburg-based McClure Co. about the solar project.
The cost: The total project cost estimate is $8.6 million. McClure's projections show the district would recover that cost within seven years by eliminating energy costs and the sale of excess energy back to PECO.
Why it's important: District Superintendent Steven Leever said the proposal is part of a long-term financial strategy to control energy costs. That will also create opportunities for students to explore relevant emerging fields in science, technology, electrical and mechanical systems.
Public comment: Resident David Blank talked about a Sept. 11 zoning hearing in West Fallowfield Township, where McClure has applied for variance to allow a ground-mounted solar system on the 88-acre tract owned by the district. Blank said township ordinances do not permit a ground-mounted system in the rural residential zone. He said the hearing was closed, with a decision to come Monday.
Quotable: "We feel it's important to allow the community to ask questions and have this free-flowing dialogue and this (the board meeting) is not the venue to do it," Leever said.
Mental health care for kids: The district's education committee met prior to the board meeting to discuss a mental health program for students called Communities in Schools.
Background: Board President Matthew Hurley said the organization's focus is on building relationships with students and families and making connections to available services in the community. He said program leaders would work with the administration and counselors. During the Sept. 9 board meeting, Leever said the district had budgeted for two mental health professionals last year but had only one. Of the two provided by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, one left after a short time and no replacement was found. Communities in Schools offers services and referrals to fill that gap.
The cost: On Sept. 9, Leever said each position filled by Communities in Schools would cost the district just under $100,000. Half of that could be covered by a grant through Communities in Schools with another $50,000 potentially available from the state, leaving the district to pay about $50,000 for two positions.
Discussion: During the Sept. 9 meeting, some board members expressed concern over the organization's commitment to inclusion. The topic has not moved forward for action yet. Board member Jay Lusby questioned if Communities in Schools is the right fit for Octorara, while board member Joelyn Metzler asked if there are local alternatives. Leever said another district was concerned by the diversity, equity and inclusion policy of Communities in Schools.
Quotable: "I think if you research Communities in Schools, you'll see that their public facing social media — to me — pushes an agenda. I don't think we necessarily need it," Lusby said during the Sept. 9 board meeting.
Mission statement: Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania states its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on its website. Its mission is: "Our work is grounded in caring relationships that unlock every student's unmatched potential to succeed in life." The nonprofit organization partners at the national level with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club of America, United Negro College Fund and others.
