Pickett Schools Receiving Solar Pavilion And Energy Upgrades

Energy efficient facilities are coming to Pickett County Schools after receiving a $400,000 TVA grant.

Director of Schools Diane Elder said as a part of the grant, a brand new solar powered pavilion will be constructed by the school ag learning center.

“We’re thinking an outside room that is maybe an art class wants to go over there and use the pavilion one day on the outside and do painting of any kind or do clay projects they like to do,” Elder said. “And, it is a 30 by 30 building.”

Elder said the pavilion will have electric outlets and lights that are operated by solar panels. Elder said the remaining of the funds will be used to replace aging HVAC systems at the K-8 school and replace lights with LEDs.

“Some of the HVAC system have been going now for about 20 years,” Elder said. “Our school was completed in 2000, they’ve been running since then.”

Elder said it will be a busy time at the elementary school this summer. All of these projects need to be completed by September 30th.