USD 413 discusses late AT&T payments, solar panel project
Generous donations to the district’s lunch debt fund, bill shenanigans, the purchase of a new maintenance truck, and a potential solar project were among the main topics discussed at the USD 413 Board of Education’s regular November meeting on Wednesday.
Board member Jennifer May Zywietz was absent.
Superintendent Matt Koester reported several donations to the district’s “Debbie Fund,” which helps pay down unpaid student lunch balances. A total of $1,263.26 was contributed by local donors.
Board member Derek Waggoner questioned a series of late payments to AT&T for district phone services.
Koester explained that in 2023, the district inadvertently fell off its contract with AT&T, which provides hard-wired service for fire alarms and elevators. The monthly bill, which had been about $300, suddenly increased to roughly $9,000.
Koester said district staff had worked extensively with AT&T to negotiate a reduced amount and ultimately settled for just under $5,000 to close out the $44,000 balance.
He acknowledged the district should have been more proactive in monitoring the contract, but said AT&T is the only provider in the area offering the necessary service.
Board member Heather Guernsey moved to approve the bills as presented, with Vice President Brianna Leroy seconding. The motion passed unanimously.
Koester also presented an opportunity to purchase a 2014 Ford F-250 4x4 King Cab equipped with a snowplow blade for $30,000.
Board President Cassie Cleaver recused herself from the discussion due to a personal relationship with the seller.
Koester said the district plans to replace the current bed with a flatbed and use the truck for multiple purposes, including light snow removal and support for the growing FFA program.
Guernsey asked whether the purchase would affect the district’s vehicle lease program; Koester said it would not, as the truck will be owned outright and used only as needed.
Board members Dr. Bruce Lee and Landon Wolken expressed concern that the vehicle is gas-powered rather than diesel, but the purchase was approved, with Wolken voting against.
Koester also presented the board with an opportunity to explore installing solar panels across all four district schools.
He said federal tax credits for solar projects will decrease significantly after Jan. 1, and the district could still take advantage of the current 36% tax credit if it acts quickly.
Preliminary estimates put the total cost at about $2 million, with the tax credit covering approximately $800,000, leaving the district with a $1.2 million investment.
Koester said he had spoken with a consortium affiliated with Greenbush that could handle the project without a lengthy bid process, potentially saving time.
Board members, however, were hesitant to rush such a large investment.
“I am not a risk taker,” Waggoner said. “It scares me to get all this put together by the end of the year.”
Koester agreed that many unknowns remain, particularly regarding long-term maintenance. Leroy encouraged the board to come prepared to make an informed decision next month.
“Let’s come back in December being knowledgeable and ready to roll,” she said.
The next USD 413 Board of Education meeting will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
