SSISD hears solar proposal

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  • Shelly Leung (center) of PYT law firm presents the financial aspects of a solar farm in SSISD's district/ Staff photo by Jillian Smith
    Shelly Leung (center) of PYT law firm presents the financial aspects of a solar farm in SSISD's district/ Staff photo by Jillian Smith
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District has fewer students in kindergarten, Superintendent says 

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The Sulphur Springs Independent School District heard a proposal from a solar farm and appointed county extension agents as adjunct professors, among other items of business at the district’s September regular meeting on Sept. 14. 

After convening at 6 p.m., the SSISD board unanimously approved their previous meeting minutes. The board then opened the floor for public comments. No citizens delivered public comments, and the comment portion was closed at 6:04 p.m. 

SCHOOL HEALTH ACTION

The school health action committee, which meets four times yearly, informed the school board of their progress in 2020. The group has already met twice this year and is composed of school nurses and counselors, communities in schools reps, the athletic trainer, a local doctor, community representatives and high school students. The committee has 24 members total. 

A major focus of the group this year has been vape pens and vaping, said Chairperson Veronica Arnold. The group also completed a wellness plan, which approved diet soft drinks in the vending machines on school grounds at the high school level. 

Amy Glenn will now be taking over as the committee chairperson. 

BRIGHT ARROW SOLAR

The board heard a proposal from Shelly Leung, representing PYT law firm. The company delivered plans for a proposed site by Bright Arrow Solar at Highway 11 West, between County Road 4711 and CR 4738. This lies within the northwest portion of SSISD’s district, Leung said. The total acreage of the proposed project is 2600. 

The proposed total investment is $275 million, Leung stated. Start of construction would be slated for next June, she said. 

During construction, the company estimates the creation of 300-350 part-time jobs. The company estimated the project would create two full-time jobs, with salaries estimated at approximately $45,958 annually. 

The company also predicts that the tax value of the company will create approximately $6.1 million for SSISD, starting January 2, 2021. This will continue for approximately the next 35 years, according to Shaun Barnett from PYT. 

Before the board voted on the application, members acknowledged any conflict of interest stemming from their association with Bright Arrow Solar or owning any real property that could be impacted by the project.

No board members acknowledged any conflict of interest, although board member Craig Roberts was not present. 

The board unanimously approved an agreement to retain attorneys and consultants to assist the District in the review and processing of the Application for Appraised Value Limitation on Qualified Property from Bright Arrow Solar, pursuant to Texas Tax Code 313.

The board also unanimously approved Superintendent Michael Lamb to authorize review the application for completeness and submit the application to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

The board finally unanimously approved Superintendent Lamb to approve any request for extension of the deadline for board action beyond the 150-day board review period. 

The school will not make any further decision until taxing entities receive an application. 

OTHER ITEMS

  • The board unanimously approved tax credits and supplements from August 2020. 
  • The board unanimously approved delinquent tax credits from August 2020. 
  • The board unanimously approved financial statements and bills from August 2020. 
  • The board unanimously approved quarterly investments ending August 31, 2020. 
  • The board unanimously approved an organizational flowchart for Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center. 
  • The board unanimously approved a Head Start mission statement.
  • The board unanimously approved a Head Start philosophy statement
  • The board unanimously approved a Head Start first meal policy
  • The board unanimously appointed Johanna Hicks and Dr. Mario Villarino of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension as adjunct professors
  • The board unanimously designated 4H as an extracurricular activity

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:44 p.m.