BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County School District treasurer Ernest Hale suggested the BOE double the solar capacity at Martin County High School by investing an additional $70,000. The additional investment would increase the project to 92,000 kW from 45,000 kW.

Hale told board members in the July 11 meeting that he had discussed the matter with Savion and Edelen Renewables, the solar developers that are donating $100,000 toward solar panels at the high school.

“They gave me some estimates on cost savings,” Hale said. “They also gave us a rendering for the solar panels.”

According to Hale, the developers expect “to receive the $100,000 this month.”

“The $100,000 will provide us with a 45,000 kW solar installation on our high school,” said Hale. “Just in electrical, they’re estimating — and they’re trying to be conservative — $6,500 a year. So it can go up based on what the tariffs are.”

Going from 45,000 to 92,000 would save the district about 23 percent of the school’s annual electricity cost, Hale explained.

“That’s better than a half-price sale to me,” he said.

Board member Bowie Clark asked Hale to equate the 23 percent to dollars saved.

“We’re running about $100,000, give or take, so we’re looking at $23,000, give or take, a year, depending on the weather,” replied Hale.

The additional $70,000 would bring the project up to 182 solar panels.

Hale is looking into federal solar fund grant opportunities through the Appalachian Regional Commission that could provide $18,200 of the $70,000.

“They’re not suggesting we do that just yet,” explained Hale. “They’re saying to go with the $100,000 and 45,000 kW, see how that produces, and then ramp into the 92,000 later if we want to.”

Board member Mickey McCoy said, “It’s a no-brainer, I think.”

Clark asked if the “issue with the roof” would impact the solar project.

“They’re aware of the issue with the roof,” said Hale. “They’re telling me it should not make any difference.”

Clark noted the board needs to get everyone together in the same room and tell them, “We’re putting this on here. You all need to fix the roof now.”

Clark also asked if it was time to consider legal help with the roof.

McCoy agreed, suggesting a letter from the board’s lawyer might help.

James said he would reach out to the architect the following day and then talk with the attorney.

Financials

The BOE approved paid warrants in the amount of $658,889, prompting Clark to comment on a line item for “just under $3,100” for Chromebook repair parts.

“It wasn’t a huge amount,” Clark said. “Is that normal for what we’ve been experiencing?”

James said it was “a little” above normal.

“We may have to look at something,” said James. “I hate to charge any kid. They’re not paying anything for it, and a lot of times, if you don’t own something, you don’t take care of it. We’ve had a lot of keyboards.”

The board approved orders of the treasurer for $574,627, which, according to Hale, included regular $332,000 operations and a $242,000 bond payment.

Board attorney, treasurer, secretary

The board voted to keep Porter, Schmitt & Banks of Paintsville for legal services for the upcoming school year.

“Porter, Schmitt & Banks do a great job,” said James. “They specialize in school law, and anytime we’ve had a problem, they’re right back with an answer, recommendation and advice. I think they’re great.”

Ernest Hale will continue as treasurer for the upcoming school year.

“I’ll say this about you, Ernest: I’ve never met someone who can make things better and cheaper at the same time,” Board member Steven Gauze said. “It kind of amazes me at times when you find a way to save us some money, big money. It doesn’t make a difference. Things get better.”

Dena James will serve as the board secretary for the school year 2022-23.

Insured cash swap service

Board members agreed to a First State Bank insured cash sweep account Hale proposed.

Hale explained the account is set aside for funding if the district’s checking account balance goes above $250,000.

“It’s almost like the old money market accounts where if you have a certain amount, a base amount, in your checking, they will allow you to move that money over for higher interest so you can get more interest money out of it,” said Hale.

“We’re currently sitting at 0.55, and this is a fluctuating interest rate on this sweep account that currently will let us have 0.75 percent.”

Hale vowed to “keep an eye on that” to make sure the district gets the most for its money.

“This is just more money, and it’s safer,” he added.

Emergency certification

The board authorized emergency certification for art teacher Tori Gauze at Martin County High School.

“I think she’s going to do a good job,” said James.

District assurances

The board approved district assurances that Dena James said must be sent to the Kentucky Department of Education every year.

“It’s all the compliance issues that are in there,” she said. “There’s a lot of financial assurances. There’s Title I, disabilities and different areas. Every year we have to go through those, get approval from you all, and send those to KDE. We have to do it, and it keeps us in compliance, makes sure that we’re following all of the regulations and doing what we’re supposed to do.”

Foodservice procurement plan

The board approved an updated food service procurement plan created by district nutrition administrator Marcie Hale, who did not attend the meeting.

McCoy said he heard that food programs nationwide are being cut back.

“Has it hit this district?” asked McCoy.

Ernest Hale replied, “As far as what we’re serving, no. What’s hitting us really hard is the availability of items we normally serve. We can’t find any, and we’re having to modify meal plans and meet nutritional guidelines yet still follow the parameters of what we can serve.”

“What is causing that?” asked McCoy.

“Supply shortage,” answered Hale. “There were waivers last year that they’ll probably go back to because we can’t find some of the stuff that we’re supposed to serve. There were waivers in place that let you get around that for a little bit. We ordered stuff from Sam’s Club trying to feed kids because our regular distributors didn’t have them.”

Admission and release committee chairpersons

The board approved an admission and release of committee chairpersons plan.

“Every year, I have to present to you all a list of people who have the authority to allocate resources for students with disabilities during admission and release committee meetings for student IEPs [Individual Education Programs],” said Dena James. “Some kids might require an assistant or a very expensive piece of equipment, and this is just giving the blessing so that they can make those determinations based on student needs when they have those meetings.”

Dena James said the district uses all principals and counselors on the committee.

Section 504 procedures plan

Board members approved an updated Section 504 procedures plan.

“Those are mine as well,” said Dena James. “These are model procedures that are vetted by attorneys to make sure that they comply with all federal regulations that are provided to me.”

McCoy asked how many students qualified.

“We have about 50 students across the district,” said Dena. “These are students who don’t typically qualify for an IEP but have some type of accommodation that they need in order to participate.”

JAG

The board approved a memorandum of understanding between Jobs for America’s Graduates and the BOE.

Superintendent James said this was the second MOU, and the district would get $40,000 for another person for the upcoming year.

“When the money runs out, we won’t have that position anymore,” said James.