On Nov. 16, Orange County Public Schools was named a Silver Level District by the Florida Green School Network in recognition of its systemic changes that promote environmental sustainability in the schools. This was one of six awards presented at the 7th Annual Learn Green: Florida’s Green Schools Conference in Boynton Beach.
Other winning school districts were Alachua (gold), Broward (silver), Duval (silver), Palm Beach (gold) and Walton (bronze). The award recognizes the districts for the environmentally friendly measures that are taken on by the schools, the facilities, and the operations and transportation departments. Efforts include switching to biodiesel fuels, building schools to green standards, and reducing the carbon footprint through recycling and reducing energy use.
“In the end it’s about the kids and what we can do to get them a working knowledge about environmental issues,” Marc Clinch, facilities program director for OCPS, says. “They will take those skills into adulthood. Everyone that works for Orange County Public Schools shares in this award, and should feel proud.”