This is a re-post of a report we produced in 2021.
The federal government approved $54 billion in the December Relief Act and $122 billion in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for K-12 schools, with the inclusion of public health and facilities-related expenses as an allowable use of those funds.
The report advises district leaders to consider using relief funds that can make the most impact in the classroom. It outlines some of the types of initiatives and projects that could be funded to improve the quality of the environment inside and outside of schools.
Capital investments are highly encouraged through the legislation as a means of addressing public health and equity gaps, a historic opportunity that may not come along again.
Virtually all green initiatives provide an opportunity for learning. Students can be invaluable participants in the operations and implementation of green initiatives. Students in districts around the country often participate with school staff to monitor the efficiency of facilities, maintain school gardens, monitor green energy capture (e.g. solar panels), amongst other activities. CTE programs and curriculum addressing climate change often accompany (or lead the way in) the green evolution of K-12 districts, and they typically align with the culture of the local community, developing organically over time,(no pun intended).
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