By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Board discusses solar project, referendum
Solar2275
A RIBBON cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, June 1 at the DEMS building to implement the Solar Education Project at Darlington Schools. Those participating in the ribbon cutting are (from left to right) Lee Black, head of maintenance; Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin; Mark Hanson, Hoffman Planning, Design and Construction; Aaron Wolfe, Darlington School Board president, Judy Huntington, board member; Bob Hermanson, board member; Joe Riechers, board member and Denise Wellnitz, District Administrator.

District Administrator Denise Wellnitz informed the Darlington School Board about the ribbon cutting that was held on Wednesday, June 1 outside DEMS to introduce those in attendance to the Solar Education Project Darlington schools has been apart of since late 2014.
The school was awarded for being the largest solar electricity producer of a Wisconsin K-12 school from Michael Vickerman from RENEW Wisconsin. They were also recognized for the schools outstanding commitment to sustainability from Mark Hanson of Hoffman Planning, Design and Construction.
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, school board president Aaron Wolfe accepted the awards on behalf of the school and also stated that he was proud to be the largest school producer but will be “happy to know when another gets one bigger. I hope in the future to see this as common place and we helped make that happen.”
The project was initiated by a group of students, community leaders, school board members and staff that served as a think tank for creating a 21st century learning environment across the district. For more information and to see a live kiosk link to the solar panels, go to the schools website and under “District”, click the “Solar Project” link.
The board discussed community forums, flyers/handouts and the website pertaining to the referendum. The referendum will be voted on Tuesday, August 9, 2016. The board is looking to host a community forum the week before the election on Monday, August 1 at 7 p.m. in the DEMS Large Group Room. There has not been a lot of literature created yet but will be available later. Those in the Darlington School District will be voting on to run a five year non-recurring referendum for programming and operational purposes in the amounts of  $800,000 for the 2016-2017 school year, $1.7 million for 2017-2018, $1.8 million for 2018-2019, $1.85 million for 2019-2020 and $1.9 million for 2020-2021.
The Darlington School Board also approved:
-the Touchdown Club building an 8’x12’ shed next to the concession stand to hold their grills and other equipment. There will be no interference.
-the second reading of the Senior Tax Exchange Program (STEP). This program allows retired citizens in the school district to volunteer at the school while receiving a small stipend to be used toward their property tax bill.
-raising the hot lunch fee $.10 for all lunches preK-12 and adults.
-the district fiber insulation with HVI. Last year, conduit was put in from DEMS to the high school but no fiber was placed. Only one bid was received and it was from HVI. Fiber cost was $13,442.80. It qualified for E-Rate and it funds the project at 70% so the district only owes $4,032.84.
-the fee for Chromebooks at DHS to be $50 per year.
-and accepted the donation of $50 to the DHS Drama Department from Kurt and Becky Cohen.
-and accepted the donation of $50 to both the DHS Student Activity Account and the DEMS Student Activity Account from Target.
-and accepted the donation from the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center for $50 to the Steiner-Kruser Scholarship.
-and accepted the donation from the Class of 1980 of $100 for a 2016 DHS scholarship.
-and accepted an anonymous donation of $400 for a 2016 DHS scholarship.
-the resignation of Channing Liska as the 5-6 Language Arts Teacher and thank her for her service.