Adding solar panels is one way the Lauderdale County School District is considering to become more energy efficient.

During a meeting Thursday, the Board of Education approved a renewable energy grant that will allow solar panels to be installed on one its campuses. The approval will allow the district to conduct a feasibility study to determine the need for solar energy.

Superintendent John-Mark Cain said the district would like to have solar panels on all of its campuses, but it can do only one school at this time.

“We are going to explore it and if it looks like something that would benefit us, we will be up to pursue it,” Cain said.

West Lauderdale Elementary school is one of the sites being considered as a start, but the plan is in its early stages and could change. The feasibility study will calculate the cost of adding other solar panels, Cain said.

Adding solar panels was one plan discussed during the district’s energy efficiency audit that could help the district to save on energy costs, Cain said.

A Gulf Coast Community Foundation Grant will pay up to $200,000 for the project, which will cover the solar panels and feasibility study.

“As a board and as a district, we should also be good stewards and use the resources that we have,” Kelvin Jackson, the board president, said.

Whenever there is a decreased demand for fossil fuels, it is not only good for the environment but also for the community, Jackson said.

It would be good to incorporate use of solar panels into the curriculum, Jackson said.

There is no commitment to solar panels past the trial, Cain said.

Elliot Brewer, principal of West Lauderdale Elementary School, said he is excited that the school could possibly become self-sufficient on solar energy. 

“I am excited for the opportunity to be able to become self-sufficient on solar energy and not necessarily be required to be on the grid for the same power,” Brewer said.

In other business, the board approved the creation of a position to assist the curriculum department. After being with the district for a few months he saw how much work the department had and felt like it needed a little extra help, Cain said.

“We felt like with so much emphasis on growth for all students, we need to provide the support to maintain the needs of all students,” Cain said.

The position will allow the district to provide extra support for teachers and administrators, Cain said.