Ralph J. Cecere Jr.: Solar for Schools can power — and empower — school districts

This year’s state budget may have arrived 11 days late, but it wasn’t without some important wins for Pennsylvania schools.

Headlines have highlighted $526 million to improve education funding inequity and $100 million for school facilities repairs. But another exciting opportunity lies inside the fiscal code bill: the Solar for Schools grant program.

Supported by members of both parties, Solar for Schools offers a transformative opportunity for school districts by helping them install solar panels on their grounds, reducing high energy costs and redirecting savings back into their pockets.

And the savings solar energy offers are substantial, to say the least. Schools across Pennsylvania are already saving millions through solar, and that’s without the added financial assistance of the new grant program. At Homer-Center, we could significantly reduce, if not eliminate our energy bills. While we’re slowly making progress on school underfunding at the state level, no school would turn down the opportunity to save this amount of money.

For staff, these new savings could be used to increase salaries, purchase updated resources, provide better professional development opportunities, and create a more supportive and enriching work environment. When teachers and staff feel valued and supported, they are better equipped to provide high-quality education and care to our students. In turn, this reinvestment could lead to smaller class sizes and better teacher retention, improving overall educational outcomes.

And for students, the benefits could stretch beyond any dollar amount. By installing solar panels, districts can turn the new technology into a hands-on learning tool. Students could learn about the principles of solar energy, how photovoltaic cells work and the process of converting sunlight into electricity. This real-world application of scientific concepts could inspire our students to explore careers in STEM, renewable energy and the trades.

I commend the state Legislature for prioritizing funding for this initiative in this year’s budget so these possibilities can soon become a reality for Pennsylvania schools. Pennsylvania may be the only state with a divided Legislature, but Solar for Schools is proof that bipartisan wins are possible.

Now that the bill has been signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro, the Department of Community and Economic Development will begin to develop guidelines for the program. And for Solar for Schools to reach its full potential, school districts must be prepared to seize the chance to apply.

Solar for Schools is not merely a line item in this year’s budget, but a forward-thinking approach to the well-being of our children and the health of our planet. It promises a brighter future for our students, teachers and communities.

It is an opportunity Pennsylvania school districts cannot afford to overlook.

Ralph J. Cecere Jr. is superintendent of the Homer-Center School District.