Three Fayette County Schools and two in Scott County recently hosted a delegation of state and federal officials who came to see firsthand how those schools are becoming more "green" through energy efficiency and sustainability best practices.
Rosa Parks Elementary School, Wellington Elementary School and Locust Trace Agriscience Farm in Fayette County and Georgetown Middle School and Northern Elementary School in Scott County were chosen for the U.S. Department of Education's "Healthy Schools, High-Achievement Students" tour earlier this month.
All of the schools are recipients of the national Green Ribbon designation for reducing the environmental impact and costs of building operations; improving the health and wellness of schools, students and staff; and providing environmental education among many disciplines, especially incorporating STEM, civic skills and green career pathways.
Joining in the tour were members of KSBA's School Energy Manager Project, Education Commissioner Terry Holliday, state legislators and community leaders in both districts.
Partners in the best-practices tour included KSBA, KDE, the Kentucky Environmental Education Council, U.S. Department of Education, Kentucky National Energy Education Development Project , Kentucky U.S. Green Building Council, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, and the U.S. Green Ribbon Schools Program.
Photo above: Two members of Georgetown Middle School's Student Energy Team show officials on the tour how they've learned to check classroom lighting levels. Left to right, Chris Tyler, Kentucky U.., Green Building Council; Lona Brewer of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet; State Sen. Damon Thayer of Georgetown; State Rep. Brian Linder of Dry Ridge, who also is the energy manager for the Grant County Partnership; State Rep. Ryan Quarles of Georgetown; and Georgetown Mayor Everette Varney. Photo courtesy of KSBA SEMP Coordinator Martha Casher.