Carmel USD gets sustainability award from Department of Education
CARMEL, Calif. (KION) The U.S. Department of Education announced that the Carmel Unified School District is one of its Green Ribbon School District Sustainability awardees.
The district is one of five schools and districts honored as a "Green Achiever". In total, 25 schools and eight districts in California were named Green Ribbon Schools. They are among 39 schools, 11 districts and five postsecondary schools being honored nationally.
The Department of Education said all of the Green Achievers, including Carmel USD, were recognized for conserving resources while promoting health and environmental literacy.
“Congratulations to this year’s honorees,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “California Green Ribbon Schools expertly use local approaches to tackle global issues such as sustainability and environmental literacy. Students are not only learning and practicing environmental stewardship, but also sharing those sustainable practices with their families and in their communities.”
Carmel USD said it monitors temperature and electricity, conducts preventative maintenance, reduced energy and water use, added student supports, included sustainability in lessons and made sure all school sites have garden spaces.
“Empowering students and their families to learn about, love, and protect our beautiful Monterey Peninsula is one of the joys of my position,” said Dr. Barb Dill-Varga, CUSD Superintendent. "Our main goal is to develop future
leaders who understand their connection to and responsibility for our environment. Partnering with us are organizations and nonprofits who care about the environment and our students, too. We also could
not have accomplished this work without our supportive Board of Trustees. I am proud of and inspired by all our impactful work and this incredible national recognition."
Other Green Achievers include: Edison Elementary School in Alameda County, Anderson W. Clark Magnet High School in Los Angeles County, Creston Elementary School in San Luis Obispo County and Woodside Priory in San Mateo County.
