State grants fuel clean energy
On a day full of sunny dispositions, the La Conner School Board on Wednesday authorized Superintendent David Cram to negotiate contract terms for a solarization project at the elementary school, the second of two clean energy district initiatives to be funded by state Department of Commerce grants.
La Conner Schools has also been approved for state funding to solarize the middle school campus. That work is anticipated to begin during the fall semester of the 2025-26 academic year.
Cram is hopeful the elementary school solarization work will begin promptly as well.
“We want to move on it as quick as possible,” Cram said during the board’s Sept. 3 study session, which capped the first day of school for La Conner students. “We’re trying to push the timeline up and get going on it.”
Cram said the installation timeline at the elementary school is June 30 provided there are no delays in the permit process.
District outlines funding, safety priorities
Looking ahead, Deyo and board member John Agen, who is the panel’s legislative liaison, outlined public school priorities to be discussed this year with state lawmakers.
On La Conner’s priority list for Olympia is continued support of the federal impact aid program, full state funding of academic and school construction projects, increased emphasis on school campus and student safety measures, and bolstered mental health resources.
Other school board updates
Deyo and Agen are looking to schedule board visits to Shelter Bay in October.
Jess Pedroza, who has coordinated the La Conner Schools Drama Club, has been hired as site coordinator for the Braves Hub after-school program.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
