Hurley School board looks at adding solar energy

HURLEY — The Hurley School Board voted Monday to request proposals for adding solar power.

Dave Carlson of Carlson Electric in Hayward gave a presentation to the board. Superintendent Kevin Genisot told the Globe Tuesday that to move to add solar power will depend on the number of years to recoup the money spent, or return on investment.

“We’ve looked at this three times and each time it’s been 15-plus years. They’re saying it might be between 3 to 7 years now,” said Genisot.

He said the school’s electric bill is typically $8,000 a month and projections are they could save $2,000 to $2,500 a month, once the cost of the equipment and instillation are paid for.

He also said there are grants available that can typically pay for 50% to 60% of the set up, and if the school board votes to move ahead installation could be as early as next fall, but more likely spring 2025.

The board approved $81,000 in improvements to the school’s three locker rooms. The shower rooms in each locker room will be remodeled to include separate shower stalls instead of a common shower room, and new flooring will be added to all three locker rooms. The girls locker room will also receive new lockers, replacing very small lockers with more regular-sized ones. There will also be new benches, repainting and general refurbishment.

After a closed session, the board voted to advertise to hire a new middle-high school counselor, who will also teach a class or two, said Genisot. He said current school counselor Sarah Eder will then just focus on grades K-5.

The board also accepted a three-year bid for annual auditing services from Kerber-Rose of Rhinelander, its current auditing firm. The costs include: $19,900 for the first year, $20,900 for the second year, and $21,900 for the third year.

—Larry Holcombe