FUHSD approves resolution to purchase solar backup power

During the Monday, Sept. 28, Fallbrook Union High School District Board of Trustees meeting, the board approved a resolution to move forward with a solar backup power project for the high school with Johnson Controls.

The resolution, approved unanimously by the board, awarded the contract to Johnson Controls and approved financing of the project which will be a 20-year equipment lease-purchase financing option with Bank of America with an interest rate of 2.26%.

During the Monday, Aug. 10 board meeting, the board approved unanimously a resolution to implement a comprehensive solar project for the district's facilities with Jeff Prosswimmer of Johnson Controls presenting to the board via Zoom with multiple options to consider regarding how to finance the project, which would include solar carports installed in the school parking lot and more grounded solar units in an open space of property near the district offices.

The project will have a backup battery that would be able to power the school for at least two hours in an emergency; substantial electrical work will need to take place to install the system and Johnson Controls said they could provide STEAM programs for the school's CTE department.

The timeline on when the project would commence would depend on how the district chooses to finance the project. If the district chooses to finance through a Tax-Exempt Lease-Purchase Agreement, the project would begin in October. If they choose another direction, it would begin in December 2021.

No money would come from the school bond passed by the community in 2016 as the Measure AA bond did not cover solar projects.

During the meeting, the board also approved a bid and contract documents for a 40-ton HVAC unit for the school's performing arts center with FM Thomas.

According to a staff report, the HVAC unit currently on the building is 21 years old and has been costing the district money over the past few years in labor and hasn't been cost effective.

The board also approved the Learning Continuity & Attendance Plan and the consent agenda which included the personnel report, physical education waivers, teacher and staff training for trauma informed practices, a contract with Eric Hall and Associates, revisions to board policies and regulations, certificated personnel for 2020-21, as well as a contract with Verbal Behavior Associates.

The board also heard a report from athletic director Patrick Walker on outside sports clubs being cleared to use Fallbrook High's sports facilities.

"I think this is great for the community, it's going to bring some hope that's needed, that we are making some progress," Walker said.

Outside groups will have to go through the process of application and the making of a commitment to protect athletes.

During the meeting, superintendent Ilsa Garza-Gonzalez recognized three staff members, Amy Cabrera, Ellana Kilgallon, and Drew Tippin for their work during distance learning.

Jeff Pack can be reached by email at [email protected].