Other green initatives
Charles A. Beard Memorial Schools isn't the only district in the area looking toward renewable resources as a way to balance its budget.
Randolph Eastern Schools bought the state's first hybrid bus and built a 90-foot wind turbine on the property of Union City Community High School. The school also has solar panels.
Delaware Community Schools recently had five solar panels installed around Delta High School at the expense of Indianapolis mechanical contractor Johnson-Melloh. The district might expand its solar program if it experiences good results from the five panels. It's too early to know what kind of savings the school is seeing, Del-Com Supt. Steve Hall said, but despite a gray winter, "we feel pretty good about it."
KNIGHTSTOWN -- With public funding for schools on the decline, at least one district is looking to tap into a resource that's more dependable: The sun.
The Charles A. Beard Memorial Schools system in Knightstown is considering building a $3.5 million solar plant aimed at reducing electricity costs and generating side income for the district.
"We're looking for ways to generate revenue because we are facing tighter and tighter budgets," board President Steve Dalton said. "It's time for schools to look for alternatives the way businesses have. You've got to find a way to make up those shortfalls."
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