September 10, 2013
Iowa

Clarinda board nixes turbine proposal

by Mike Peterson | September 10, 2013 | www.kmaland.com

Clarinda school officials are passing on a proposal to install an alternative energy source in the district.

At its regular monthly meeting Monday evening, the Clarinda School Board reviewed a proposal heard at last month’s meeting from Dale Kever of Heartland Energy Solutions of Mount Ayr for the installation of a wind turbine at Clarinda High School. One estimate placed the savings in electrical costs annually at $16,000. Under the proposal, the turbines would be purchased with local option sales tax dollars, or through local investors who would purchase the units, then lease them to the district for a period of time. However, Clarinda School Superintendent Paul Honnold says the board opted to pass on the proposal–at least for now.

“The board voiced an interest in clean energy, and promoting something allowing us to be more energy efficient,” said Honnold. “However, the proposed units are new technology, and the board believes we should wait until next summer, when we can see the impact of the units currently being installed in the area. By waiting, we’ll have a better idea of how they’re having a positive impact on other communities.”

In other business, Honnold says the board reviewed the 2013-2014 professional development plan. The report included a summary of the professional development cycle, and areas of focus for this current year. He says the district’s leadership team, consisting of 18 people–including staff and administrators–plan and organize professional development events throughout the year.

The board also approved the contracts of Lacy Lovett and Holly Sundquist as special election paraprofessionals for this school year, and an agreement with Carmen McLaren to serve as Talented and Gifted coordinator.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/10/clarinda-board-nixes-turbine-proposal/