The Panther Valley School Board wants specifics on how solar energy could benefit the district.

The board on Wednesday approved a letter of intent with the McClure Company to conduct a comprehensive solar energy feasibility study for the district.

Representatives of the Harrisburg-based firm, which deals with sustainable energy solutions, spoke to board members earlier this month about building a solar field on school grounds.

The federal government is offering a minimum of 40% reimbursement on solar projects, but reimbursements could be as high as 60%, Jesse Walck, business manager, said last month.

There is also $25 million set aside for solar project reimbursements in the state budget, so money from that could also be available, he said.

The district project costs were estimated at between $1.25 million and $2.1 million. The feasibility study will review building sites and provide actual costs.

Superintendent David McAndrew Jr. reported teacher in-service days ahead of the new school year, which began Monday, were productive. He thanked the cafeteria staff for lunch during the in-service.

“We had a get-together with the entire staff, and they did a really nice job,” he said. “It was nice to see everyone from the other buildings come together.”

McAndrew also thanked state education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin for visiting Panther Valley last week and helping out with the Summer Feeding Program.

“We discussed a bunch of lunch programs and our state initiatives,” he said.

Walck also thanked cafeteria staff members for their work with the program.

“I want to publicly thank them for giving up part of their summer to come in and help feed the kids in the community, he said. “I know it goes a long way helping people ease their food budgets at home.”

Walck also thanked custodial staff members for their work getting the buildings ready for the new school year.