By Harold Reutter
harold.reutter@theindependent.com

It also took a small step toward building a new field house at Senior High, completed the purchase of property to expand the grounds of Jefferson Elementary school and approved a lease agreement with Third City Christian Church for space to conduct preschool classes next school year.

Matt Leaper of John Controls made a presentation to the board on using renewable energy in the school district.

Leaper noted the district already operates at just 61 cents per square foot, which makes it one of the most energy efficient districts in the state.

But Leaper said the district could use wind turbines, solar electric power and solar thermal power to heat all domestic water as a way to cut energy costs.

He suggested a goal might be for the district to get 12 percent of its energy from wind turbines, 8 percent from solar electric power and 5 percent by using solar thermal energy for all domestic water.

Leaper said that should save money, put less CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and meet social goals by possibly serving as science curriculum for students and by being a leader in the community in energy conservation.

Leaper said that costs of the projects could be financed through reduced costs from energy savings, with several options available on how those costs should be amortized. Another possibility is applying for clean renewable energy bonds.

The board was interested enough that it authorized staff to begin proceeding with requests for qualifications from firms that might want to work with the school district on renewable energy projects.

Johnson Controls obviously would be one of the companies interested in submitting its qualifications.

In other action, the board established guidelines for naming rights for a potential new fieldhouse at Grand Island Senior High.

The suggested price for naming the building is $1 million, for naming the indoor practice area is $300,000, for naming the weight room $200,000, for naming the educational wing is $100,000, the boys and girls locker rooms would be $50,000 each and naming the team meeting room would be $15,000.

A tribute to a person or family is preferred for naming. However, if a business wants naming rights, the business and its name must reflect the values of the school district, most especially the health and well being of families. Also, if a business receives naming rights, no business logos will be used.

In addition to establishing the guidelines, the board also committed $400,000 to the fieldhouse project. However, if enough private money cannot be raised to build a new fieldhouse, that money would be used for concession stands, restrooms and other amenities needed at the football stadium and track.

Those amenities were lost when the Old College Gym was torn down because of structural deficiencies.

The school board also approved an agreement with Third City Christian Church, 4100 W. 13th St., to lease space for preschool classes during the 2008-09 school year. The district will pay the church $21,000 a month, not to exceed $252,000 per year. The agreement also includes the option to renew the lease.

After meeting in a brief closed-door meeting, the board voted to spend $112,000 to buy the house at 719 N. Broadwell, which will allow Jefferson Elementary to expand its premises.

In other action, the board:

* Recognized Isaiah Aguilar for winning the 112 pound division in the State Wrestling Tournament; Vanessa Gauthier for winning he 2008 USAPL Power Lifting Competition; and Knickrehm fifth-graders Cornelio Jaimes and Jessica Anguiano for winning first and second, respectively, in the 2008 Nebraska Poison Prevention Poster Contest.

* Heard Senior High Counselor Gwen Brown read the names of the 14 students who have tied for academic No. 1 in this year's senior class. Those top students who did not have work or extracurricular commitments introduced themselves and told about their college and career plans.

* Heard Superintendent Steve Joel say that he talked with representatives of education colleges on how they might improve teacher education. One idea Joel suggested was making the entire senior year "more of a field-based experience."