School gives green light to go “green”

The “green” movement may soon reach the Colfax school district. School board members gave the go-ahead for an energy company to assess the potential for energy-conserving projects in the two district buildings at Monday’s board meeting.

For a limited time, the state’s Department of Commerce and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction are funding up to $100 million for energy-conserving renovations in local school districts.

Colfax Supt. Michael Morgan said Jennings Elementary will soon be up for some remodeling, as the school will soon pass the state’s 20-year mark to qualify for the program.

One possible project would be replacing the boilers in the elementary school. Boilers constructed today use less energy than boilers constructed 20 years ago, said Morgan.

Two representatives from McKinstry, a Seattle-based energy firm, spoke to the board about their company, which has worked on energy-conserving remodels on school districts throughout the state.

The preliminary check approved by the board Monday will be free. McKinstry now has the permission to check the costs and work details involved for a list of possible renovations.

“I obviously like that there is no charge for the preliminary analysis,” said board member Rob Smith.

Company representatives explained to the board the $100 million which the two state departments are awarding in matching grants. Morgan pointed out that taking advantage of this program now when matching funds are available will reduce the cost of a renovation compared to a future date when the matching funds will not be available.

McKinstry helps districts apply for that funding, said Dale Silha, an account executive for the company.

School business manager Reece Jenkin asked if the district had to pay the company a design fee before they know if they have received a grant.

Yes, Silha answered. Jenkin asked about an estimated design fee. Silha said a typical renovation design costs 15 cents per square foot, but that can vary greatly.

“The equation is, what are we going to have to pay you if we get involved in a contract?” Smith said.

Silha showed the board a list of set renovations his company offers. Each renovation came with estimated savings given the energy conservation aspect.

“I think we should at least pursue this,” board member Laura Johnson said.

Supt. Morgan told the board he had already explained to Silha the district is facing a tight budget year.

“I don’t want to burn down $50,000 of our capital just to get a plan. That doesn’t work for us,” he said.