Gerald G. Huesken Middle School is embracing sustainable energy through the construction of a solar-battery-powered greenhouse and the addition of 84 roof-based solar panels.
Technology Education teacher Matt Maisano is spearheading the project, which will be funded through a $92,050 grant from the Conestoga Valley Education Foundation. "I've always looked at the foundation sort of as a research and development arm of the (Conestoga Valley School District)," foundation Executive Director Gerald Huesken said, explaining that he sees this project as a pilot designed to inspire future solar installations on additional district buildings.
Huesken, who served as district superintendent for 19 years before retiring in 2017, said the school's solar installation and greenhouse will stand beside the high school's hydroponic freight farm as community-based examples of sustainability.
"We're looking forward to the future and the kinds of new learning experiences that these projects can bring to our students," Huesken said. The high school's hydroponic freight farm is scheduled to start growing lettuce this fall, and Maisano said he aims to get the middle school's greenhouse operational on the same timeline.
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