Solar Panels Can Help To Fund School Resources

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of the article reported that “The South County Environmental Justice Coalition, PG County Change Makers, and Prince George’s County NAACP) met in South County to discuss community needs and solutions.” That wasn’t accurate. We strive to bring you important and accurate information. We apologize for unintentionally reporting false information.

Oxon Hill, Maryland - On June 22, some Prince George’s County residents met in South County to discuss community needs and solutions. The residents discussed implementing solar panels at schools, community representation of the Prince George’s County Board of Education, and ways to move forward. Some attendees agreed that solar panels were a solution they were willing to pursue. The goal is to cut the schools’ utility costs and to use that money to increase teachers’ salaries, use the funds for school resources, or perhaps aid with building new neighborhood schools. Their approach to this is not an anomaly.

(Note: The meeting was organized by Progressive Maryland).

Many school districts across the country are using solar panels in this creative way. Cardinal News, a publication that covers southern Virginia, reported how solar panels are used in that area.

Excerpt: “Roanoke County knows it wants to put solar panels on the new career and technical education facility it’s preparing to build.

But it doesn’t have solar now on any of its 27 schools. The division is hoping a pilot project at Cave Spring High School can help it get some experience before it decides how best to take advantage of solar’s cost-saving potential.

The county joins a growing list of Southwest Virginia school systems that are considering or have signed on to solar projects in an effort to save money — and in some cases, provide workforce training opportunities for students.

Roanoke County has been exploring solar for about a year, said Todd Kageals, director of facilities and operations for the school division. “The goal is to save money for the school division and predict energy costs,” he said, noting that Appalachian Power rates have gone up about 3% each year over the past 15 years or so.”

The Intersection covered the event. Below is a photo essay.

Janna Parker, Executive Director at PG Changemakers

(Note: Anton Alu Quin, a South County Progressive Maryland organizer, watches as Parker speaks to the audience.)

Parker spoke to the audience about her experience as a parent and education advocate in Prince George's County. She talked about the lack of resources for residents in District 8. She challenged the crowd to acknowledge their power as voters. Parker said she wants an equitable education for all Prince George's County students.

Joseph Jakuta, environmental activists, and Prince George's County resident

Joseph Jakuta, a resident of Prince George's County, said he was encouraged by the number of people who came out to support the initiative for school solar panels. But, added there needed to be more people present

Linda Thornton, President of Prince George's County NAACP

Thornton is an advocate for solar panels. She also was very encouraged to see the crowd, but felt like it should have been bigger. She said the county needs an entity that distributes information to all its residents. "Not all of us are savvy online," said Thornton. " There needs to be a place where we can all go and find opportunities such as this..."

Oxon Hill Library - Community

Residents attended to support solutions for Oxon Hill schools, and hear other members voice their opinions.

Lasalle Frazier - Board of Education, Rep District 8

Organizers said they reached out to BOE, District 8, Madeline Lasalle Frazier to attend the meeting. They said she declined to come. However, District 8 County Council member Edward Burroughs was present.

Herbert Jones, a member of The South County Environemntal Justice Coalition

Herbert Jones is a member of the South County Environmental Justice Coalition. Jones asks a question about local BOE not being present at the meeting. His group has advocated against PEPCO putting a lithium battery facility in the area.

Zakya Goins-McCants

McCants was present at the meeting. She announced that she was in line with the community members' goals. McCants is running for District 8 Board of Education council member.

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