Board approves Level‑2 transportation facility design with geothermal and solar after debate
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Summary
Naperville CUSD 203 approved a Level‑2 design for a new transportation facility that adds geothermal and solar features. Trustees discussed a roughly $2M additional upfront cost versus long‑term energy savings and voted to proceed with the sustainable option.
The Naperville CUSD 203 Board of Education approved a Level‑2 design for its planned transportation facility during the Nov. 17 meeting, formalizing inclusion of geothermal systems and solar arrays.
Facilities staff presented the Level‑2 package and estimated the incremental upfront cost for the sustainability features at approximately $2 million compared with a Level‑1 design. Administration projected long‑term energy savings and a multi‑year payback; auditors and board members framed the investment as a means of reducing future operating costs and insulating the district from energy‑rate volatility.
Trustee Mark Wilensky described the proposal as a prudent investment that will reduce future operating expenses; Trustee Joe (Kosminski) noted potential additional upside from net metering and expressed support. Trustee Melissa Kelly Black abstained, citing a desire to see more detailed replacement and maintenance cost comparisons for the long‑term lifecycle of geothermal and solar systems versus conventional mechanical systems.
The motion to approve the Level‑2 design passed by majority vote with abstentions recorded. Administration said it will provide more detailed lifecycle and maintenance cost estimates at the board’s request and proceed with planning consistent with the approved Level‑2 schematic.
What’s next: Administration will return with detailed replacement/maintenance timing and cost comparisons for key systems and will continue project planning and vendor procurement under the approved Level‑2 design.