LTUSD adopts Healthy and Environmentally Sound Schools resolution

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a “Healthy and Environmentally Sound Schools” resolution at its October 10 meeting. This supports expanded energy efficiency programs, and alignment with the City of South Lake Tahoe’s recent commitment to get 100 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources. The resolution also supports green building practices, greater biking, walking and transit options for students, school lunches with more locally sourced and organic foods, additional school gardens and landscaping practices that minimize water and chemical use.

"It is great to see the School District take a strong position in support of sustainability, energy efficiency and renewable energy,” said Rebecca Bryson, co-founder of Small World, a Tahoe-based parent advocacy organization. “The District's leadership and direction will improve the environment for our students and community, and help prepare our students to land successful jobs in these fields in the future."

“Given the impact that climate change is already having on Lake Tahoe, it’s critical that we transition quickly to a 100 percent clean energy economy, and give our kids the education and tools they need to be part of the solution, said John Friedrich, spokesperson for Climate Parents, and Tahoe resident. “The Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board just took an important step in this direction by pledging to expand energy efficiency programs and increase reliance on renewable energy, in line with the City of South Lake Tahoe’s commitment to 100 percent renewable energy. We’re grateful for the leadership of the school district in doing the right thing for Tahoe kids and our environment.”

"I would like to congratulate the Lake Tahoe Unified School District for aligning with the City's 100 percent Renewable Electricity goals by 2032," said Nick Exline, Chairman of the South Lake Tahoe's 100 percent Renewable Committee, "The adoption of the ‘Green Resolution’ will better prepare South Lake's students to participate in the growing green economy."

The full text of the Healthy and Environmentally Sound Schools Resolution is below.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District
Resolution 2017/18-06
Healthy and Environmentally Sound Schools

WHEREAS, schools have the potential to make positive, tangible environmental change in the world while teaching students to be stewards of their communities, the earth, and its resources; and

WHEREAS, implementing environmentally friendly practices within school buildings can increase the overall health and well-being of students; and

WHEREAS, the Lake Tahoe Unified School District is located within the internationally-acclaimed, and ecologically sensitive, Lake Tahoe Basin, which provides Tahoe students a unique opportunity to learn principles and practices of environmental stewardship and is often a significant draw for new families; and

WHEREAS, schools expend considerable financial resources on energy, water, refuse services, and custodial and office supplies and have a considerable opportunity through their purchasing power to improve both the environment and their financial bottom line; and

WHEREAS, many options and choices exist for schools and their staff to use natural resources more efficiently; to reduce, reuse, and recycle; to produce more sustainably sourced lunches, and to purchase clean energy and environmentally preferable products and supplies to protect our environment; and

WHEREAS, recognizing that the Lake Tahoe Unified School District has already taken significant measures in support of green school practices, energy efficiency, healthy school nutrition programs, and waste diversion/reduction; and

WHEREAS, the California State PTA adopted a “Climate Change is a Children’s Issue” resolution in 2015 that urges school districts to serve as role models for practices that promote energy conservation, alternative energy sources, reducing dependency on automobile travel and encouraging sustainable practices;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District hereby supports:

* Continued implementation and expansion of the District–wide plan to improve the energy efficiency of schools (e.g. lighting, window replacement, insulation, weatherization, efficient equipment, and technology to effectively manage energy use.)

* Increased reliance on clean, renewable energy sources to power the District’s facilities, in line with the City of South Tahoe’s recent pledge to power 100% of community-wide electricity use with renewable energy by 2030.

* Assurances that new buildings and retrofits to existing buildings use environmentally sensitive building materials, as well as efficient use of energy, water, and other resources.

* An evaluation of the existing transit system to maximize efficiency and reduce the total vehicle miles traveled in getting students to school.

* Continued development of programs and infrastructure to enhance biking and walking to school through the Safe Routes to School program.

* Continued implementation of a comprehensive waste reduction, recycling, and composting program at all schools.

* Evaluation of sustainability improvement options for the school lunch program (e.g. more locally sourced and/or organic foods, more vegetarian options, less processed/packaged food.)

* Sustainable landscaping practices that reduce water use and stormwater runoff, minimize chemical inputs, and provide habitat for native flora and fauna.

* Continued development of school gardens as hands-on learning tools that promote good nutrition and stewardship of the land

* Development of any new environmental curriculum must integrate with Next Generation Science Standards and should educate students on sustainability and energy literacy.

* Education and engagement of parents and the community about District sustainability efforts.

PASSED and ADOPTED by the Board of Education of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District this 10th day of October, 2017, by unanimous vote.