Source: Ruth Douglas Miller, 785-532-4596, rdmiller@k-state.edu
Sterling High School: http://www.usd376.com/windproject/
News release prepared by: Cheryl May, 785-532-6415, may@k-state.edu
Friday, May 9, 2008
KANSAS WIND FOR SCHOOLS SHOWING RESULTS: SCHOOLS INSTALLING WIND TURBINES FOR EDUCATION, OUTREACH
MANHATTAN -- The five rural Kansas high schools selected by the Kansas Wind for Schools program to receive a small wind turbine for educational and outreach purposes have either already installed the turbines, or are about to do so.
The sites were selected in 2007 to receive Skystream 1.9 kilowatt wind turbines. Review of 2008 applications is under way presently, said Ruth Douglas Miller of the Wind Applications Center and associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Kansas State University.
"Fairfield High School, USD 310, was one of five rural schools selected to receive a Skystream 3.7 wind turbine as part of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Wind for Schools Initiative," Miller said. Fairfield plans to erect its turbine May 20.
"The turbine to be installed during the week of June 1 at Sterling High School in USD 376 will become part of the school's environmental science curriculum," Miller said. "We are working to schedule foundation work at Walton Elementary in the Newton school district May 9, and possibly Ell-Saline High School in Brookville as soon as May 17. Concordia will be the last installation."
The three-year Kansas Wind for Schools program aims to train young engineers for jobs in the rapidly growing wind industry and to increase public awareness and understanding of wind power. Schools that receive the turbines are expected to incorporate education about wind energy into their science curricula.
The Kansas Wind for Schools program provides assistance in financing, siting and installation for elementary and secondary schools in Kansas interested in having a small wind turbine for educational and outreach purposes.
Questions about the program can be directed to Miller at rdmiller@k-state.edu or 785-532-4596, or Dan Nagengast at 785-748-0959, nagengast@earthlink.net, or by mail at the Kansas Rural Center, 304 Pratt, P.O. Box 133, Whiting, KS 66552.