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Board of Education discusses solar energy

AP+environmental+students+filled+the+back+of+the+audience+to+show+their+support+for+the+solar+photovoltaic+system+proposal.
Alexa Di Luca
AP environmental students filled the back of the audience to show their support for the solar photovoltaic system proposal.

On a rainy Monday night, April 7, the Staples cafeteria quickly filled up with concerned AP environmental students for the Board of Education (BOE) meeting. The major topics that were covered included the Green Task Force Committee’s proposal for solar panel installations at school buildings and the appointment of the Health and Medical Insurance Consultant.

Green Task Force Committee Chair David Mann, along with four other committee members, presented a powerpoint explaining a plan to install solar panels at school buildings. Mann said that it would take three to four months to complete the installation.

The benefits of the solar panels include “an immediate increase in savings, [an accumulative of] $2.1 million savings over the next 20 years, managing utility price volatility and achieving Westport’s sustainability commitments,” said Mann.

Superintendent Elliott Landon questioned the sustainability of the third party that will own and maintain the solar photovoltaic system for the 20 year contract period. Landon raised concerned about the risk of bankruptcy.

Following, Landon and Director of School Business Operations Elio Longo proposed to replace Segal Co. with Lockton Co., LLC. Lockton will cost $45,000 annually, an $8,000 increase per year.

Landon justified that despite the increase in price, Lockton had the most benefits and services. We got referrals “and we were very satisfied with the results,” said Landon.

This proposal passed unanimously, making Lockton the new insurance consultant from May 1, 2014 to Aug. 31, 2017.

At the BOE’s next meeting on April 28th, they will make a decision about the solar panel proposal.

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Alexa Di Luca, Staff Writer
Although an only child, Alexa Di Luca ’15 has a love for kids. When not writing an article for Inklings, Di Luca can be found with a tennis racket in one hand and children in the other. During Fall, Spring and Summer, Di Luca spends her extra time teaching kids how to play tennis. Even though she is not on the Staples Wreckers tennis team, she shows her dedication to the sport by working for the Fairfield County Tennis Program. Di Luca aspires to be an Elementary School teacher. She describes children’s energy as a “blissful happiness,” which is why she loves working with them. Inspired by her Horticulture class, Di Luca decided to go vegan last summer. Previously being a vegetarian for four years, she was ready to take the challenge. Di Luca is still trying to keep up with her vegan menu. Currently, Di Luca is an active member of both Kool to Be Kind and the Key Club. She feels it is an important way to stay connected with the Staples community, as well as educating others Aside from tennis and schoolwork, she also has multiple babysitting jobs. Di Luca feels it’s an exciting way to make money because, as she always says, “Kids are just so fun to be around." “Love life, and life will love you back,” is the motto Di Luca lives by. Not only is it an easy quote to remember, but it also pushes her to have a positive outlook on life.  

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