Allegheny Valley School District Awarded $300,000 Solar for Schools Grant

Allegheny Valley School District Awarded $300,000 Solar for Schools Grant
The Allegheny Valley School District has secured $300,000 through Pennsylvania’s Solar for Schools grant program to support the installation of a new solar energy system at Acmetonia Elementary School.

The Allegheny Valley School Board approved moving forward with the program earlier this year, recognizing the project as an opportunity to address rising utility and electricity costs while making a long-term investment in district facilities. Board members are Colleen Crumb, Fred Derringer, Jeanne Haas, Paula Moretti, Rebecca Mundok, Nino Pollino, Nicole Paulovich, Amy Sarno and Glenna Renaldi.

The district also appreciates the advocacy of State Rep. Mandy Steele on behalf of public education and small school districts.
The grant will directly support installation of the solar energy system at Acmetonia Elementary. By generating clean energy on site, the district expects to reduce its reliance on the electrical grid, lower long-term utility costs and redirect savings toward educational programs.

“Rising energy costs pose a continuous challenge to our budget,” said Dr. Hamsini Rajgopal, Director of Finance & Business Operations, who prepared the district’s grant application. “This solar project allows us to take greater control of our operational costs, achieve long-term financial relief and demonstrate civic leadership through a large-scale renewable energy project in our community. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”

The project also will serve as a learning tool for students. The district plans to incorporate the solar installation into its Grades K-6 science curriculum, giving students opportunities to explore renewable energy, sustainability and real-world applications of science and technology.

To keep families and community members informed, the district will display educational materials at Acmetonia Elementary and provide project updates through the district website and social media channels.

For more information and future updates on the project, visit www.avsd.school or follow the Allegheny Valley School District on social media.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information:
Charlie Deitch
Communications Specialist
cdeitch@avsd.school | 412-983-3845###