Tuscaloosa City Schools awarded prestigious Green Ribbon Award

Just in time for Earth Day, the Tuscaloosa City Schools system was named a 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Award winner. 

The Department of Education honored Tuscaloosa City Schools, along with 27 schools, three early learning centers, five districts, and five postsecondary institutions for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education.

 

“We are proud of the strong environmental commitment, which has been demonstrated by the Tuscaloosa City School System,” said State Superintendent, Dr. Eric G. Mackey.

Here are the projects that earned the Green Ribbon designation for the school systems:

• Clean Buses – Clean Air – Tuscaloosa City Schools worked with bus manufacturers across the nation to advance environmental standards. It has shared its best practice methods and efforts in converting its fleet to propane, with many other school systems throughout the nation. Currently, TCS is using a fleet of 98 propane and 27 diesel buses. Their diesel-powered vehicles are primarily reserved for longer road trips.
• Reduce Food Insecurity & Waste –  Tuscaloosa CAN! is this school system’s responsive program to reduce regional family food insecurity. Through this innovative effort, TCS students and schools work in teams to gather local food donations and create large sculptures made from canned food items. The event provides students opportunities for project-based and service-focused learning.
• Certified Outdoor Classrooms – Alabama Wildlife Federation has assisted in the installment of ponds at two TCS elementary schools and has also certified five TCS schools for the Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program.

The 2021 Green Ribbon Schools honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 20 states. Over half of the honorees serve a disadvantaged student body.

A special report with highlights on the 40 honorees is available at the following weblink: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/performance.html

“It is important for Alabama’s communities and local schools to create a positive impact on their surroundings. The Tuscaloosa City School Systems’ conservation efforts are commendable and a great example for our entire state.” added Superintendent Mackey.