Public hearing on solar project set for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2
The Greater Johnstown School District will hold a community referendum on Tuesday, July 15, to vote on an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) proposal. The project includes the installation of a revenue-generating solar array on approximately nine acres of wooded land located behind Johnstown High School, which will provide electric energy for the entire District in a green and environmentally-friendly manner for the next two to three decades.
Thanks to strategic use of financial rebates from NYSERDA and other agencies, along with state building aid, the project will have no additional tax impact on the community. The solar project will not only pay for itself through energy savings over time to the District, but will also have the ability to potentially create additional revenue for the District.
Polls will be open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15 in the Johnstown High School auditorium lobby (JPAC). The public is invited to hear a presentation on the project at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in the Johnstown High School Media Center, in conjunction with that evening’s board of education meeting.
“This is a rare opportunity for the District to generate its own electricity through solar energy, reducing dependence on a major utility contract,” said Dr. William Crankshaw, Superintendent of Schools. “This project will meet the District’s electrical needs for many years, leading to substantial financial savings. Those savings can be reinvested into student programs—enhancing education instead of paying utility bills.”
“This solar project was thoughtfully designed as a key part of the District’s long-term strategic plan to ensure financial stability for years to come,” said Assistant Superintendent Alicia D. Koster. “By investing now, the District is proactively future-proofing its ability to meet rising electrical demands—particularly with the growing need for EV charging infrastructure.”
After following the recommendation of the District’s Shared Decision Making committee in the fall of 2024 to move forward with the project, the District put the project out to bid and ultimately signed the John W. Danforth Company to be the project’s designated Energy Service Company (ESCO). As the project’s ESCO, Danforth will be responsible for overseeing the District’s savings guarantee.
The District has worked with the Town of Johnstown for all proper permitting and approvals to move forward with the project. Aesthetically, the solar project will be out of public sight with trees surrounding the array on all four sides. Fruit trees and bushes, along with native plants will be added as enhancements throughout the property. Although the solar array is near the current cross country running trail, the design does not interfere with the trail.
Voter Registration, Absentee Ballots & Early Mail Voting
Voter registration will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at the District office (at Johnstown High School). Residents may check the status of their school voter registration on the GJSD Poll Place Finder website.
Registered voters may vote by absentee ballot or by early mail voting if they will be unavailable in-person on July 15. Community members who are listed as “permanently disabled” do not need to apply for an absentee ballot and will automatically be sent one. There are separate applications for early mail voting or absentee ballot, but the application process and deadlines are the same for both. Applications are available on the District website or by contacting the district clerk, Larraina Carpenter, at (518) 762-4611, ext. 3119. Completed ballots must be received by the District by mail or drop-off no later than 5 p.m. on July 15. Go to the District website for more information and specific deadlines.