MONTAGUE — The Montague school board approved the Michigan Schools Energy Cooperative rate at its Monday meeting. The cooperative says on its website that it has worked with school districts in the state for over 25 years to provide natural gas and electricity.
MISEC representative Jessica Pantano presented the new rates, saying the use of solar power would present the opportunity for schools to save $68,000. Board members expressed concerns of having the rate fluctuate, should energy costs increase or decrease in the future. Pantano said no matter what, Montague Area Public Schools would be locked in at the rate they originally signed for. There were also concerns about if something were to happen to the solar farm. Superintendent Jeff Johnson said per contract, MISEC would be required to find the schools another energy source.
The board approved the purchase of a new Kioti tractor within the general fund, as the district’s current tractor has been consistently having issues and breaking down recently. The boardbelieves Kioti is the best option in terms of quality and price. Additionally, the board approved the purchase of weight room equipment for the new athletic center currently being built next to the high school and slated to open by next spring.
Johnson also announced and welcomed new hires Krystin Hall and Denise Powell as bus drivers.
