Student group asks district to study sodium-ion battery storage for campus solar

Student Sasha Levy, presenting on behalf of SRV Future Earth Initiative, asked the board to authorize a preliminary feasibility study on sodium-ion battery storage to expand the district0s existing solar investments. Levy said sodium-ion batteries could provide a dependable emergency backup during grid outages, enable peak shaving to reduce energy costs and — if surplus energy is sold at peak prices — generate revenue to offset district expenses.

Levy described sodium-ion batteries as similar in function to lithium systems but potentially safer and less dependent on scarce mined materials, and offered to provide a one-page overview to district staff. Superintendent Kamik said staff would review the one-page summary and engage with the student on next steps.