District in line for $6 million modernization grant; Apollo to present HVAC options

Speaker 1 told the board the district is in line for a small‑schools modernization grant of about $6,000,000 to fund HVAC replacement and electrical upgrades. The district has work underway with Apollo to perform an investment‑grade audit and prepare proposals; Apollo's engineer recommended a propane‑based boiler and chiller for short‑term financial viability but discussed solar and electric alternatives for long‑term savings.

Board members asked Apollo to present two options — propane and electric/solar — so trustees can compare upfront costs, ongoing fuel costs, and lifecycle impacts. One board member asked about winter solar production and net metering; staff noted the district's recently installed solar capacity and the need to assess whether heat pumps would be reliable in very cold weather. Apollo representatives agreed to meet with the board at the next meeting to show proposals and the investment‑grade audit results.