Upper Darby administrators sign state solar grants; board to decide projects and financing

Superintendent Dr. Curtis McGary told the board that district administrators signed six state "solar for schools" grants to preserve the district’s position and that the district received the largest total award in Pennsylvania.

"Craig Rogers and I signed the grants," Dr. McGary said. He emphasized that signing preserves the district’s opportunity and that the board will be asked at a future public meeting to approve which schools to move forward with and the financing for any projects. "If financial situations show that we couldn't afford all of it, we could back out at no cost to the district," he said, adding that federal subsidies are a separate consideration.

The district had previously discussed the grants in June and sought additional information over the summer. Administrators said they will present financing scenarios and recommended sites at a later public meeting so the board can determine whether to implement one or more projects. Dr. McGary said projects could involve roof work and potential energy savings but did not provide dollar amounts at the meeting.

A written public comment from Dr. Meredith Heg supported pursuing the grants: "I still hate to see us turn down this excellent opportunity to improve our schools and give our children a more livable climate future all in one project," the email read.

Board members did not vote on specific solar projects at the session; staff will return with more detailed cost and financing information before the board is asked to authorize installations.