Pullman district says solar arrays now producing; committee projects student funds and multi-million-dollar lifecycle savings

Pullman School District sustainability committee members told the board the district's solar installations are coming online and will generate both energy savings and a new revenue stream to support students.

Committee presenters said Kamiak Elementary and the transportation center were energized and producing power, and that the project saved about $121 on its first day of operation. They said Lincoln Elementary is installed but not yet powered and the high school installation is scheduled to begin with a planned completion window that should have all four primary sites up before the end of the school year. The presenters described the solar plan as grant-funded and not costing the district up front.

"The projections right now is it's gonna be around a $100,000 a year that we're gonna get to use towards our students of low income," a committee presenter said, adding the funds would support coat closets, shoes, pantry needs and student fees. The presenter also cited a projected $4,000,000 in savings over the life of the project.

Committee members also reported broader sustainability efforts, including a pilot drink-pouch recycling program, ongoing native prairie restoration and discussions about field irrigation and turf as the district weighs water usage and grant opportunities.

Board members asked follow-up questions about timing, roof replacements that affect future sites, and how savings would be managed; committee members said they will return with more detailed budgets and timelines as installations complete.