White Bear Lake Area Schools — Transcript
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Student Activities and Achievements
District Updates and Back-to-School Information
Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract for Solar
Summer Construction Project Updates
Review of School Board Policies
Community Engagement and Clean Energy Initiatives
Votes (2)
Approve the Resolution to Enter into Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract for Solar
Dissent: None
Moved by Arcand [1-07-27] · Seconded by Streiff-Oji [1-07-30]
The Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, Mr. Wold, recommended approving the resolution for a guaranteed energy savings contract with Ideal Energies and Ideal Energy Solar Leasing. Rich Ragatz from Ideal Energies had previously presented the financial benefits, noting no upfront cost for the district, projected savings of over $6 million over 40 years for two projects (White Bear Lake Area High School and Vadnais Heights Elementary), and the inclusion of grants and tax credits. Board members asked clarifying questions about initial costs, maintenance responsibilities (Ideal Energies for 20 years), panel life/warranty (30 years), upgradeability (not recommended due to efficiency stability), and monitoring of the systems (centralized monitoring by Ideal Energies).
Motion to go into closed session
Dissent: None
Moved by Newmaster [1-12-58] · Seconded by Streiff-Oji [1-13-05]
The Board moved to enter a closed session to discuss strategy for labor negotiations, as per Minnesota statute 179A.01 to 179A.25, ensuring confidentiality for sensitive negotiation discussions.
Notable Quotes (4)
For the school district, there's no upfront cost, that's a great benefit. It's a guarantee that the school district will see energy savings over the years, as well as reducing our carbon footprint.
You're gonna have a savings in year one of, I think that's 25,197. And then on a cumulative basis, you can see that after the 20 years of payback, you're ahead by $653,000 for this project.
Our program, again, you guys own this, the solar array, you have fee title alone or the day one of the system. There's no upfront cost for your district.
And then who's responsible for the upkeep?
Ordinances & Resolutions (8)
28 school board policies undergoing first reading due to legislative changes.
Agreement with Ideal Energies for solar panel installation, guaranteeing energy savings and carbon footprint reduction.
Official action to approve the solar energy contract.
Major project passed by the community which funded the White Bear Lake Area High School construction.
State program providing free breakfast and lunch to all students.
State of Minnesota program providing grant money for school solar installations.
Provides additional compensation for kilowatt-hours produced during peak times.
Legal basis for closing the meeting to consider strategy for labor negotiations.