The Brookline-Newfane Joint Contract School Board has warned a meeting for Thursday, June 12 at 7 PM at NewBrook Elementary School to vote on a proposed energy improvement project at the school. Voters from Brookline and Newfane will be asked to approve a lease for the proposed new 250 KW solar system and a loan to pay for a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The new HVAC system would replace the school’s aging boilers, significantly reduce the school’s energy costs and minimize the school's carbon footprint.

The photovoltaic panels, which would be ground-mounted on school property, would provide enough electricity to meet the school’s current electrical demand and run the air-to-air heat pumps, which would heat the building during the colder months and cool the building during the warmer months.

The second article of the warning asks the voters to approve a $150,000 loan, to be repaid within five years, to finance the new HVAC system. In light of more precise cost estimates obtained since the meeting was warned, the Board will be requesting permission to borrow up to $330,000. This higher figure includes the cost of the equipment, installation, electrical system upgrades, an energy recovery ventilation system, design fees, a project management fee, and contingency funds to cover any unforeseen costs. Despite the difference in the amount of loan, the impact of the increased loan amount on the school budget and tax rate would be small.

The Board, the administration and many community members including me are very excited about this innovative project. We’ve been researching options for over three years now, and we’re ready to take the leap. It is my fervent hope that the voters of Brookline and Newfane share our enthusiasm about this project. It’s a win-win for the community and the environment!