School Committee Moves Forward with Solar Panels

The School Committee agreed to move forward with the power purchase agreement between the Town of Winthrop and Solect Energy last Monday, allowing for the installation of solar panels on the high school/middle school roof.

After the original proposal was made last year, members of the town council and school committee had several questions regarding the impact that the work would have on both the building and the students, and after much deliberation, both parties agreed it would be best to go forward with the project.

“I’m concerned about the fact that we have a pristine roof here. However, I like the idea of getting energy from the sun, and I’m voting in favor of it,” said School Committee member Gus Martucci.

The project, which is expected to start in 2019, will consist of two weeks mechanical work and two weeks electrical work, following a pre-inspection conducted by the roof company.

The work will be implemented on a schedule that will have the least amount of disruptions to the students, and there will be a constant flow of communication between the maintenance staff at the school and the project manager at Solect Energy. In the coming months, the company will meet with all stakeholders in the project and solidify a timeline that includes construction planning, permitting, and safety precautions.

 

 

In other news:

 

An additional kindergarten teacher was hired and attended a meet and greet with the parents and students who will be transitioned into the seventh kindergarten classroom.

Blackstrap BBQ and For Kids Only will host a coat drive on Dec. 6, from 7-9 p.m.

The Zonta International Club of Chelsea is looking for members to join their mission to support the following communities: Winthrop, Chelsea, Saugus, and Everett. If you are interested in learning more, please contact, Joan Lanzillo-Hahesy at 781-820-3411 or Chelseazonta@zontadistrict1.org.