GILL — As the Gill Elementary School roof project through the Massachusetts School Building Authority continues to make progress, the town is seeking a $915,000 grant through the Green School Works Implementation Grants program to help fund the installation of a metal roof, insulation and solar panels.

This grant program, offered through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, provides support for installing clean energy infrastructure at public schools with a large percentage of students from low-income families. Funds range from $50,000 to $5 million, and Gill is eligible for up to $1 million for its project.

Gill Energy Commission member and Finance Committee Chair Claire Chang said that in Gill, the elementary school is eligible for this grant based on its population of 49.1% of students from low-income families when the minimum percentage is 40%.

Given that the project seeks to install a metal roof, install insulation in the ceiling and add solar panels, the project is eligible for the grant as an effort that would improve “energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions or mitigate the impacts of climate change,” according to the Green School Works website.

“What we’re looking for is additional funding in metal roof materials, and it’s a recyclable material, so we hope this grant will cover the metal standing seam materials, and solar panels,” Chang said.

The idea to apply for the grant before the April 30 deadline was brought to the Selectboard last week by Chang and Energy Commission Chair Vicky Jenkins. The board authorized Chang to submit the application and tasked Town Administrator Ray Purington with signing the application on behalf of the Selectboard.

Chang said while the project is eligible for $1 million through the Green School Works Implementation Grants program, the town expects to apply for $915,000. Through the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s Accelerated Repair Program, the state will reimburse 77.47% of the total project cost for the roof replacement, leaving Gill on the hook for 22.53%. Getting a Green School Works grant would mean covering materials and construction costs, and Chang expects it would reduce what remains of the total project cost, which is not expected to be determined until the fall at the earliest.

In December, Special Town Meeting voters approved using $50,000 from the General Stabilization Fund toward funding a feasibility study and schematic design for the new school roof. The town had previously put $48,439 toward that part of the project.

While Chang said the Selectboard supported the grant application, there was some discussion around the cost of building materials, which are expected to rise due to tariffs. Chang noted that while solar panels may be made by a few U.S. manufacturers, some components of the panels come from overseas, which could raise prices.

While Gill waits to hear back about the Green School Works grant, which could be announced as early as June, Chang said the Gill Elementary Roof Building Committee is meeting with the MSBA-appointed owner’s project manager and architect to discuss the project further. The committee is made up of Montague and Gill town officials, as well as administrators from the Gill-Montague Regional School District.

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.