Open Letter: Solar for Our Schools

— from Michel Vekved, Outreach and Education Coordinator, Community Solar for our Schools! San Juan Islands Conservation District —

As Superintendents of our San Juan Islands public schools, we believe in educating our students for the future. Renewable energy is our future. We believe in providing our students with the tools they need to find meaningful work and make the best decisions for tomorrow.

Collectively, we are excited for the opportunity to partner with Bonneville Environmental Foundation and the San Juan Islands Conservation District to bring renewable energy curriculum into our schools and install solar power without added cost for the schools.

We applaud the partnership between Islands Energy, San Juan Islands Conservation District, OPALCO, and Bonneville Educational Foundation. Each group is working towards the goal of raising funds and cultivating energy awareness.

Schools are large consumers of energy, especially with the increased use of electricity-based technology. As a large consumer of energy, solar power makes financial sense, promotes good stewardship and responsibility for our environment. Now is the time to move into solar power because of the reduction in cost for photovoltaic panels including installation; and, the Community Solar for Our School program, which provides a unique funding model to put solar power into and onto our schools.

Going solar also provides a valuable educational opportunity. Panels installed on rooftops become part of the classroom. Students will have first-hand experience of the practical benefits of solar panels. They will directly witness electricity generation from solar gain and have an understanding of how solar power can positively impact the environment. This is an opportunity for hands on, on-site science. Students will be able to observe energy use and production in real time. Bonneville Education Foundation will provide teacher training and renewable energy curriculum for students at each of the schools on Lopez, San Juan, Orcas and Shaw Islands.

By creating the reality of renewable energy in our local schools we are all demonstrating to our students and beyond the benefits of solar power.

Community contributions are fundamental–that’s why we support the Community Solar for Our Schools.

SIGNATURES
Bill Evans, Lopez Island School District Superintendent
Eric Webb, Orcas Island School District Superintendent
Richard Thompson, San Juan Island School District Superintendent
Jennifer Swanson, Shaw Island School District Superintendent