Politics & Government
School Board Revisits Energy Plans, Education Goals
The Saucon Valley School Board continues to explore energy ideas and education goals for the future.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect the fact that quantitative and qualitative education goals were presented by the administration to the board.
On Sept. 25 the Saucon Valley School Board heard a second presentation by Joe Solomon and Phil Solomon from Provident Engergy Consulting that encouraged the district to transform its energy usage and switch to natural gas.
The board appeared no closer to making a decision on the switch to natural gas, as it asked Business Manager Dave Bonenberger to create a financial report that will influence the board’s ultimate decision.
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“I’d recommend that we take a look at it,” said Bonenberger. “We can better control our future energy costs.”
One of the reasons for the board’s interest in having Bonenberger prepare a financial report is to assess the representatives' report that estimated an annual savings for the district of $168,000. That projected figure predicts savings based upon the current cost of natural gas.
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“The cost of natural gas has been consistently going down since 2001,” said Joe Solomon. “We expect it to keep going down. These would be cash flow benefits for you.”
This was not the only issue that the board revisited.
It also discussed the district education goals set by Superintendent Dr. Sandra Fellin last month. Two board members voted against passing the motion to carry out Fellin’s goals.
“I’ve spoken to Sandra about this, and I would like measurable goals,” said board member Sharon Stack.
Fellin gave a presentation during an August school board meeting in which she presented broad goals such as to “prepare for future endeavors in a global society, provide a wide range of opportunities and experiences so students may find their personal areas of skill, and provide sound teaching practices and supports to meet a wide variety of student needs.”
Along with those goals, she also presented the board with specific initiatives that would involve regularly gathering evidence and analyzing data, in order to identify areas of need and potential action.
