Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) and Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-184) attended an event at W.W. Evans Elementary School in Bloomsburg to mark the awarding of two Solar for Schools grants totaling $800,000 to the Bloomsburg Area School District. The funds will be used for solar energy projects at both the district’s high school and elementary school.
According to officials, these projects are expected to help reduce utility costs over time, provide educational opportunities related to renewable energy, and create jobs in the local community.
The Solar for Schools program was established through Act 68 of 2024 and received bipartisan support in the state legislature. It is designed to help schools offset upfront expenses associated with installing solar panels and is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development via the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
During remarks at the event, Sen. Culver emphasized that “this program is about stretching taxpayer dollars while giving our schools the tools to plan for the future,” adding, “I am grateful to Representative Fiedler, the Bloomsburg Area School District, and all of our partners for their leadership on this important initiative.”
Rep. Fiedler also commented: “I am so happy to know that, with the support of Senator Culver and the Bloomsburg school district, state funds are going to a place I hold close to my heart: my hometown and my alma mater.” She continued: “Saving money through solar investments means more dollars going directly to the classrooms, so our students can learn at their best.”
The event concluded with a press availability session and a walkthrough of school facilities intended to demonstrate how these solar projects will affect classrooms.
