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SHADES OF GREEN

MI NI CASE STU DIES

IN SCHOOL GREEN INITIATVES

PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

SU MMER 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Diesel Fuel Reduction ............................................................................................................... 1

Use of Bio-Fuel .......................................................................................................................... 2

Combining School Buses .......................................................................................................... 3

Anti-Idling .................................................................................................................................. 4

Compressed Natural Gas .......................................................................................................... 5

Hybrid School Buses ................................................................................................................. 6

Walking School Bus ................................................................................................................... 7

Locally Grown Food ................................................................................................................... 8

Recycling ................................................................................................................................... 9

Contracted Energy Management ............................................................................................ 10

Contracted Customized Energy Management ........................................................................ 11

Student Involvement in Energy Management ........................................................................ 12

Summer Shutdown ................................................................................................................. 13

Personal Appliances ................................................................................................................ 14

Four-Day Summer Work Week ................................................................................................ 15

Computer Shutdown ............................................................................................................... 16

Geothermal ............................................................................................................................. 17

Lawn Mowing .......................................................................................................................... 18

Student Directed Recycling ..................................................................................................... 19

Student Directed Recycling ..................................................................................................... 20

Paperless Initiative .................................................................................................................. 21

Paperless Board Meetings ...................................................................................................... 22

Environmental Education—Pond ............................................................................................. 23

Environmental Education—Wind Turbine ................................................................................ 24

SHADES OF GREEN Case Studies in School Green Initiatives

PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

DESCRIPTION:

The Carlisle School District has taken a number of measures to reduce diesel fuel use including:

Consolidating bus routes

Changing parking locations to minimize unloaded miles

Reducing or combining sports trips

Reducing or combining special education bussing

Implementing an anti-idling campaign

RESULTS:

Measures to reduce diesel fuel have resulted in fewer gallons of diesel fuel being used.

COSTS:

Existing transportation and administrative staff have initiated all of these efforts as part of their

normal job responsibilities.

BENEFITS:

By reducing the number of gallons of diesel fuel being used, financial savings have been

achieved. Diesel fuel reduction also benefits the environment.

CHALLENGES:

Driver apathy, and since the district pays for fuel in many contracted transportation operations,

there is little incentive to reduce diesel fuel use.


CONTACT INFORMATION: MR . M IKE HURLEY , ADMIN . O F MANAGEMENT SERVICES , CARLISLE AREA SD PASBO G REEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Diesel Fuel Reduction

DESCRIPTION:

Great Valley School District was the first school district in Pennsylvania to operate on bio-diesel.

In 2006, the district received a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant (AFIG) to cover the cost difference of bio-diesel. The district

also received a grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to equip buses

with particulate filters.

RESULTS:

The project reduced the following pollutants:

SOx 72.76lbs.

CO2 266,052.76lbs.

PM 107.26lbs.

HC 142.26lbs.

CO 1,191.31lbs.

They also used 30,000 gallons less fossil fuel.

COSTS:

The district received a federal grant from the EPA and a state grant from the DEP. The district

is still operating on bio-diesel even though the state grant no longer covers the cost differential.

There were no other costs to the district.

BENEFITS:

The use of bio-fuel results in a cleaner environment and reduces the importation of oil, helping

the country reduce its dependency on imported oil.

CHALLENGES:

None identified.


CONTACT INFORMATION: MR . M ICHAEL DETWILER , TRANSPORTATION SUPERVISOR , GREAT VALLEY SD MDETWILER@GVSD . ORG PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE


Use of Bio-diesel

DESCRIPTION:

In 2008-09, the Central Bucks School District combined a high school and a middle school that

are located across the street from one another. For many years the students were bused in sepa-

rate buses, meaning that two buses would come through a neighborhood, possibly for students

in the same family, but going to separate schools.

RESULTS:

By combining school routes, one bus picks up a group of students in the same neighborhood for

both schools, eliminating the need for three bus runs and saving duplicate mileage.

COSTS:

None identified.

BENEFITS:

Combining school routes results in fuel use reduction and cost savings. Fewer buses means that

exposure to exhaust by students is reduced.

CHALLENGES:

None identified.


CONTACT INFORMATION: MR . JAMES CZYZ, TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR , CENTRAL BUCKS SD JCZYZ@CBSD . ORG PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE


Combining School Routes

DESCRIPTION:

The Central Bucks School District instituted an anti-idling policy to reduce diesel fuel; the policy

is more stringent than Pennsylvania law. The district policy prohibits idling for no more than

three minutes whereas state law limits idling to no more than five minutes in an hour.

RESULTS:

The district’s anti-idling policy has resulted in fuel cost savings.

COSTS:

Existing transportation and administrative staff have initiated all of these efforts as part of their

normal job responsibilities.

BENEFITS:

Fuel cost savings are achieved, and the environment benefits by a reduction of diesel fuel being

used.

CHALLENGES:

Anti-idling policies make it difficult for buses to stay heated in the winter.

There is also driver apathy and little incentive to comply since the school district pays for fuel.


CONTACT INFORMATION: MR . JAMES CZYZ, TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR , CENTRAL BUCKS SD JCZYZ@CBSD . ORG PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE


Anti-Idling Policy

DESCRIPTION:

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is an alternative fuel source widely used in municipal buses and

available for school buses. For more than a decade, the Lower Merion SD has run the bulk of its

bus fleet (68 of 110 buses) on compressed natural gas.

RESULTS:

See benefits.

COSTS

Fuel: CNG fuel is less expensive than diesel and has a favorable long-term outlook. In the east-

ern U.S., the price is lower than the rest of the country and the federal government provides a

$0.50 cent per gallon rebate.

Fueling station: $400,000 per station. Slow fill is less expensive than the fast filling option; sta-

tions can be financed and built by others.

Buses: CNG buses cost $40,000 more than diesel buses but this can be offset by grants; they

are manufactured by several companies

BENEFITS:

Fuel cost savings are realized through the use of CNG buses. They also exceed the 2010 emis-

sion standards, benefiting the environment.

CHALLENGES

CNG provides fewer miles per gallon than other fuels and requires specialized fueling stations;

fueling stations are required; and alternative fuel is needed for buses traveling out of the range

of the fueling station.


CONTACT INFORMATION: MR . MI CHEAL ANDRE, TRANSPORTATION SUPERVISOR , L OWER MERION SD

Topic: Compressed Natural Gas

DESCRIPTION:

Nazareth Area SD was the first school district in Pennsylvania to

operate a hybrid school bus. Jennings Transportation, a school bus contractor in Nazareth,

added the hybrid school bus to its fleet and began operating the bus during the 2006-2007

school year. Wolfington Body Company, based in Exton, PA, is the local IC Corporation dealer-

ship that is providing the service and support for the new hybrid school bus.

The bus was built by IC Corporation, the nation’s largest school bus manufacturer, and Enova

Systems, a leading provider of hybrid drive systems. The hybrid bus is a result of a nationwide

initiative called the Plug-In Hybrid Electric School Bus Project. A total of 19 hybrid buses have

been awarded to states around the country by Advanced Energy, a non-profit corporation that

initiated a buyer’s consortium of school districts, state energy agencies and student transporta-

tion providers.

RESULTS:

While the exterior of the school bus looks the same, it is empowered with innovative new tech-

nology. The hybrid school bus project features Enova’s Charge Depleting System (or “Plug-In”),

which was extensively tested and evaluated at IC Corporation’s research and technology facility

in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With an overnight charge, this system utilizes a larger battery based on

advanced battery chemistry that provides stored energy intended to be drawn over the driving

cycle, thus optimizing fuel economy. Depending on the route, fuel economy is expected to im-

prove by 70-100 percent . The hybrid system can also reduce emissions by up to 90 percent.

COSTS:

Pennsylvania’s Environmental Protection Agency played a key role in securing the bus. It pro-

vided a grant of $112,000 under the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program to assist with

the cost of the bus. The state’s incentive program provides assistance for projects that result in

the deployment of advanced alternative vehicle technologies and the use of alternative fuels.

BENEFITS:

The use of new hybrid school bus technology can save school districts up to 70-100 percent in

fuel economy and reduce emissions by 90 percent.

CHALLENGES:

None identified.


CONTACT INFORMATION: NANCY DUCEY , ASST . BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR , NAZARETH AREA SD HTTP ://WWW. HYBRIDSCHOOLBUS . ORG PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Hybrid School Buses

DESCRIPTION:

A Walking School Bus is a group of 5-10 children who are accompanied by one or more adult

leaders on their walks to school. Usually, the children live near one another, so the adult volun-

teer leader will walk the group through the neighborhood, picking up students at designated

"Walk Stops." The trained leaders include volunteers, parents, and teachers. The program is

very popular and effective with elementary age children (K-5) and includes students through

Grade 8. In Missouri’s Columbia School District , the Walking School Bus (WSB) program is avail-

able at ten elementary schools.

RESULTS:

The program provides a safe, consistent system by which children can walk under the supervi-

sion of adults - either parents or other adult mentors.

COSTS:

Columbia’s Walking School Bus program officially started in 2005 through a grant from the

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 2007, PedNet partnered with the National Safe Routes to

School Program and received funding for the Walking School Bus program.

The Missouri Department of Transportation selected Columbia to receive four 2008 Safe Routes

to School Non-Infrastructure grants totaling $59,000. The grants aid in the planning, develop-

ment, and implementation of projects that improve safety of the walking and biking routes.

Grants will also provide official bike training for volunteers.

BENEFITS:

It introduces walking as an important and easy form of activity. Walking to school is an easy way

for children (and adults) to get the 30-60 minutes of daily physical activity recommended by the

Centers for Disease Control to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Other benefits include reduced traffic congestion and air pollution around schools, increased

community connections, and improved focus for children in the classroom. For some students,

it is quicker than a circuitous bus route.

CHALLENGES:

None identified.


CONTACT INFORMATION: PEDESTRIAN AND PEDALING NETWORK ; HTTP://WWW .PEDNET . ORG SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS ; HTTP://WWW . SAFEROUTESTOSCHOO . ORG PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Walking School Bus

(PedNet)

DESCRIPTION:

School districts across the country and in Pennsylvania are involving students in the growing of

food for snacks and daily lunches. Some school districts use school property for community gar-

dening projects.

In Pennsylvania, the Colonial School District has created Colonial Gardens on the school prop-

erty. It is open to community members and is used in school programs.

RESULTS:

Students can eat the food they grow and earn about agriculture. Lessons about locally grown

food can been incorporated into lesson plans.

COSTS:

None identified. Donations for projects can come from the PTA, local foundations and garden

clubs.

BENEFITS:

Raised gardens are filled with compost created with lunchroom waste

Community gardeners can visit students and teach them about growing vegetables.; local farm-

ers can oversee projects.

CHALLENGES:

Serving student grown or locally grown produce in the lunch room is often subject to state laws,

and approval to serve food from school gardens in the lunch program is often required. Stu-

dents may perform the first washing of produce while food service staff can perform the final

washing in accordance with health department requirements.

Garden beds and harvesting the produce over the summer is required. Students and families can

take turns accomplishing these tasks.

Donations for the project came from the PTA, a local foundation, and various garden clubs.


CONTACT INFORMATION: MR . CHRIS BERDNIK , CHIEF F INANCIAL OFFICER , SCHOOL D ISTRICT OF P ITTSBURGH MR . BOYD, O PERATIONS SUPERVISOR , SCHOOL D ISTRICT OF P ITTSBURGH PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Locally Grown Food

DESCRIPTION:

The Coatesville Area SD started a recycling program within its cafeterias with the start of the

2008-2009 school year. The recycling program was prompted by the switch to plastic milk con-

tainers.

RESULTS:

The recycling program is ongoing. The district’s goals have been approximately 80% attained.

COSTS:

Initial costs of implementing the recycling program within the district included additional costs

relating to charges by a company to pick up the recycling each week. Also, there are costs for

the paper recycling bins per each classroom and trash cans for aluminum and glass. Three spe-

cial pallets for computer storage until pick by a vendor costs $200 each. The trash collection bid

included a cardboard dumpster for each school.

Moving additional recycling containers rather than combining all trash into one trash can can

result in increased labor costs.

BENEFITS:

Students learn the benefits of recycling.

CHALLENGES:

The division of duties, e.g. who will empty the recycling containers and/or assist younger stu-

dent with emptying their milk containers, was a challenge.


CONTACT INFORMATION: MRS . ERIN ROBINSON , FOOD SERVICE D IRECTOR , COATESVILLE AREA SD PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Recycling

Food Service

DESCRIPTION:

Working with Energy Education, Inc. to implement a people-driven energy management program

in 2005, a significant increase in energy efficiency was achieved and a responsible energy use

ethic has been instilled throughout the district.

RESULTS:

Since its baseline year of 2005, nearly $850,000 in energy savings has been achieved. Also, the

school district has earned ENERGY STAR Leaders recognition for improving its energy efficiency

by more than 30 percent throughout the district, and four of the district's schools have earned

the ENERGY STAR for superior energy performance.

Staff, faculty, and students in the district have implemented hundreds of improvements in en-

ergy consumption habits, such as turning off lights and computers when not in use and shutting

classroom doors. Electronic monitoring of all systems ensures optimal performance. The dis-

trict's energy efficiency efforts have been led by the schools’ energy educators or managers with

ongoing on-site training and oversight from Energy Education's engineers and specialists.

COSTS:

None identified.

BENEFITS:

The district is preventing more than 3,300 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere annually,

which is equivalent to the annual emissions from more than 550 cars.

CHALLENGES:

None identified.


CONTACT INFORMATION: JEFFRY R ITSCHEL , SUPERVISOR BUILDINGS AND G ROUNDS , BLUE MOUNTAIN SD PHONE : 570-366-0515 EMAIL : JRITSCHEL@BMSD . ORG PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Energy Management

Contracted Energy

Management

DESCRIPTION:

In response to a Request for Qualifications (posted on the Electronic Resource Center), the

District received a dozen proposals to contract an energy management program. The programs

ranged from energy performance contracting, to local engineering firms, to Energy Education, to

Aramark Education. After significant review and several months of discussion at the school

board level, a five year contract was approved.

RESULTS:

The energy management program has resulted in reducing energy use by more than 40% in 3

years. A board policy set direction for the program, including temperature settings, roles,

responsibilities, and incentives. The program involved extensive education of building occu-

pants and re-commissioning of many buildings.

Information is available online; go to: http://www.crsd.org. Select “Green/Energy Management

Extensive Information.”

COSTS:

The 5-year contract had a fee of $186,000 for the first 3 years; there was a reduced amount for

years as the program transitioned to district management. A bonus of 20% of the amount of sav-

ings beyond the initial target, capped at $100,000 per year, has been paid in all years of the

contract. Compared to the baseline year, 2005, annual savings have reached $2 million per

year in cost avoidance, calculated on consumption reductions, multiplied by the actual energy

costs paid each month.

BENEFITS:

In addition to the financial savings, which exceeded $5 million in the first 3 years, the district

has promoted green initiatives through a Green Committee. The district has also been recog-

nized for its aggressive efforts to control costs. Many staff were very pleased to be part of a

leading program.

CHALLENGES:

The Green Committee, run by teachers and maintenance staff, is helpful in promoting wide in-

volvement and support of the program. It is important to integrate the contractor’s staff into the

school district’s culture.


CONTACT INFORMATION: TOM SCHNEIDER , SUPERVISOR OF OPERATIONS, COUNCIL ROCK SD TSCHNEIDER@CRSD. ORG PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE


Contracted Customized Energy

Management Program

DESCRIPTION:

Many school districts involve students in their energy management programs. Students can pro-

mote energy management programs in many ways including serving as energy patrols, remind-

ing others to turn off equipment or lights, developing promotional materials, and even writing

grants for alternative energy equipment. It is often found that students are more persuasive

than adults in promoting the program.

RESULTS:

Elementary students successfully participated in a logo contest that resulted in the use of a logo

used in all communication materials.

Secondary students successfully participated in an essay contest; winners from each school

were awarded a $300 scholarship and provided a number of public speaking opportunities. The

essay question was: “Why is it important for your school district to be a leader in energy conser-

vation?”

Art students at the high school created original artwork to promote both the energy manage-

ment and the green program. Students were awarded a $300 scholarship.

COSTS:

None identified.

BENEFITS:

Elements of energy conservation can be incorporated into the instructional program.

Students have opportunities to contribute to the success of the program while learning about

environmental responsibility.

CHALLENGES:

None identified.


CONTACT INFORMATION: TOM SCHNEIDER , OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR , COUNCIL ROCK SD [email protected] PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE


Student Involvement

DESCRIPTION:

During the summer of 2008, a plug load reduction program called "Operation Summer Shut

Down" was implemented. Physical Plant, Food Service and Computer Services collaborated to

consolidate food inventory so that refrigerators and freezers could be shut down, and identified

electronics and equipment that could be unplugged. Anything that was likely to remain unused

through the summer months was generally shut off.

RESULTS:

The program saved the district 300,000 kwh.

COSTS:

Other than some commitment from staff, there were no additional costs.

BENEFITS:

The district saved about $28,000 and reduced its carbon footprint.

CHALLENGES:

None identified.


CONTACT INFORMATION: MR . E D POPRIK , D IRECTOR OF PHYSICAL PLANT , STATE COLLEGE AREA SD 814-231-1026 PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE


Summer Shutdown

DESCRIPTION:

Personal appliances in schools include space heaters, mini refrigerators, microwaves, coffee

pots, and other items that consume energy. Schools have addressed this issue through prohibit-

ing these items or charging fees (pay-to-plug).

RESULTS:

After attempts to encourage voluntary reduction of personal appliances did not work, a fee

schedule was been established based on the estimated energy costs. Appliances are certified

for safety by maintenance staff. Fees are collected at the school level and deposited into the

General Fund. Compliance is monitored at the school level.

The pay-to-plug program was explained by email and faculty meeting announcements.

COSTS:

Labor cost estimates:

Appliance certification: 100 hours per year

Accounting effort: 100 hours per year

Stickers for safety certified and paid appliances: $500

Replacement of mini refrigerators with large ENERGY STAR® refrigerators in a few select loca-

tions

BENEFITS:

Increased safety was a benefit. Since many appliances were old, connected to overloaded exten-

sion cords, placed in poor locations, and occasionally not shut off at night, personal appliances

imposed a potential hazards.

Energy costs recovered are estimated at $2,000 per year per school.

CHALLENGES:

Enforcement


CONTACT INFORMATION : MR . TOM SCHNEIDER , SUPERVISOR OF OPERATIONS , COUNCIL ROCK SD [email protected] PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE


Personal Appliances

DESCRIPTION:

In the Council Rock SD, the entire months of July and August would operate on a four-day work

week.

Buildings would be able to shut down to typical weekend usage levels for three days each week.

Savings are calculate based on usage data from 2007.

RESULTS:

Using the energy-use profiles for three different buildings in the district, an average weekend

energy profile has been developed.

COSTS:

2007 summer energy costs equaled $270,327. Reduced energy costs equaled $247,800.

BENEFITS:

Total potential savings for the school district would be $22,527 per year with all buildings in the

district operating on a four-day week through the months of July and August.

CHALLENGES:

None identified.


CONTACT INFORMATION: TOM SCHNEIDER , SUPERVISOR OF OPERATIONS, COUNCIL ROCK SD TSCHNEIDER@CRSD. ORG PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Energy Savings Analysis

Four-Day Summer Work Weeks

DESCRIPTION:

Using Symantec Ghost Solution Suite, and running an automated task, the district automated

the powering down (at 4PM each day) and powering up of district desktop computers (5,000

Computers on 4 year lease/replacement schedule).

RESULTS:

Automated powering down and powering up of district desktop computers resulted in financial

savings to the district.

COSTS:

Ghost software was already owned by the district and used to image machines. To purchase the

software, the cost is approximately $22.50 per computer.

BENEFITS:

The estimated savings are $50 per computer per year.

CHALLENGES:

Automated powering down of computers requires reminding users to save their work. Users

must log on every day. Patches/updates must be applied prior to the start of the school day.


CONTACT INFORMATION: MR . MATT FREDERICKSON , COUNCIL ROCK SD [email protected] PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Information Technology

Computer Shutdown

DESCRIPTION:

In 2005, the New Hope Solebury School District opened a new geothermal closed loop elemen-

tary school.

RESULTS:

The district has not yet begun to measure the results between what was expected and what it

actually realized in energy reductions.

COSTS:

The closed loop system was $59,000 more than a conventional chiller/boiler system.

BENEFITS:

Over a 20 year period, the savings with geothermal was predicted to be $1,064,621. The com-

munity was very supportive of this project. Since this system was installed over 4 years ago, the

district continues to be congratulated by the taxpayers for having the foresight to install the

geothermal system.

CHALLENGES:

None identified.


CONTACT INFORMATION: MR . D AVID HANSEL , D IRECTOR OF OPERATIONS , NEW HOPE SOLEBURY SD 215-862-8183 PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Geothermal

DESCRIPTION:

Districts have begun to identify remote areas that can be mowed infrequently or not mowed at

all.

RESULTS:

Working with graduate students from the University of Pennsylvania and municipal Environ-

mental Advisory Committees, the Council Rock SD identified remote areas that could be re-

turned to meadows. Some of these areas are mowed twice annually allowing seasonal vegeta-

tion, while other areas will be mowed only once annually to avoid growth of trees.

Working with the County Extension Service, the Solanco SD received grants to replant areas

along streams. Trees are planted and allowed to grow. The district receives $1500 per year for

a period of four years.

COSTS:

Seed costs $90/acre.

BENEFITS:

Potentially unsafe, difficult areas to mow, such as detention basin slopes, muddy areas along

streams, etc. may be avoided.

Soil erosion can be controlled. Wildlife habitat can be protected.

By reducing mowing, fuel, operating and labor can be reduced.

CHALLENGES:

Neighbors have expressed concern about weed growth.

Stinging insects near playgrounds and ball field areas may increase.


CONTACT INFORMATION: TOM SCHNEIDER , O PERATIONS SUPERVISOR , COUNCIL ROCK SD TSCHNEIDER@CRSD. ORG T IM SHROM, BUSINESS MANAGER , SOLANCO SD T IM_ [email protected] . PA .US PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Lawn Mowing

DESCRIPTION:

In Old Forge SD, recycling of plastic containers was initiated through a senior class project that

is carried on every year. Established in 2005, it involves placing containers throughout the ele-

mentary and high school buildings and collecting periodically for recycling .

RESULTS:

The Student Recycling Program has generated revenue for senior projects, encouraged team co-

operation, created community awareness and involvement, and fostered pride in both this ac-

complishment and in the overall district.

COSTS:

None identified as the containers were provided by the borough, which also pick ups the recycla-

bles and delivers the collected plastics to the County Recycling Center.

BENEFITS:

There is less garbage taken to the dumpster every evening. Also, the space taken up in landfills

will be saved for more bio-degradable refuse. The administration informed the board of the pro-

ject which was welcomed with great enthusiasm.

CHALLENGES:

None identified.


CONTACT INFORMATION: MR . ANTHONY SPADONI , BUSINESS MANAGER , O LD FORGE SD 570-457-6721 PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Recycling

Student Directed

DESCRIPTION:

For many years, the School District of Pittsburgh has used a student art contest to create inter-

est in environmental initiatives including recycling and energy management. In a number of

schools, life skills instructors and students have adopted the recycling program, carefully moni-

toring classrooms and the cafeteria to infuse waste stream management principles into the

school culture.

RESULTS:

The district recycles high-grade office paper, corrugated paper, aluminum, glass, newsprint,

plastics, steel and bimetallic cans, and leaf waste. A recycling coordinator works with a recy-

cling task force to manage the program. The team conducts a waste audit, researches available

markets, develops collection methods, revises procurement policies, and develops an education

program.

COSTS:

The costs of administering the program have been reduced by use of student volunteers. A num-

ber of items have value and requests for proposals have been used to select brokers and proces-

sors with the best offers.

CHALLENGES:

The challenges of implementing a program include finding storage space in the schools, mini-

mizing the labor costs of hauling items within the district, markets that are subject to economic

fluctuations, and constant training.

RESOURC ES:

Sample requests for proposals are available on the PASBO Electronic Resource Center; go to:

http://www.pasboerc.org/erc/default.asp. Other resources include:

Green Schools Initiative: http://www.greenschools.net

Responsible Purchasing Network: http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/index.php

Cool School Challenge: http://www.coolschoolchallenge.org

EPA’s “Tools to Reduce Waste in Schools:” http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/education/

toolkit.htm


CONTACT INFORMATION: MR . CHRIS BERDNIK , CHIEF F INANCIAL OFFICER , SCHOOL DISTRICT OF P ITTSBURGH MR . BOYD, O PERATIONS SUPERVISOR , SCHOOL D ISTRICT OF P ITTSBURGH PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Recycling

Student Directed

DESCRIPTION:

An aggressive program to reduce the use of paper. Consuming

fewer trees in paper manufacturing benefits the environment and reduces districts’ copier costs.

RESULTS:

Paperless school board meetings: 150 sheets X 15 members (board, solicitor, cabinet) X 24

meetings per year=54,000 sheets X $0.005 per sheet=$270 per year.

Reduction in student copies: Moving from 22 copies per student per day to national average of

13 copies per student per day results in 9 fewer copies. 9 copies per student X 180 days per

year X 12,500 students X $0.005 per sheet =$101,250 per year

COSTS:

The copier contract will provide direct savings for each copy reduced.

Technology investment for paperless meetings

Training of all staff on electronic document management, electronic meetings, and related ef-

forts

BENEFITS:

Environmental benefits included a reduction in the number of trees used, and transportation fuel

costs for the delivery of paper decreased.

Financial benefits included a savings of $11,250 by reducing the number of student copies to

less than the national average. Also, labor costs of transporting paper, refilling copiers with pa-

per and toner, etc. decreased as did the cost of paper per sheet.

CHALLENGES:

Encouraging staff to use less paper is difficult.

Intranet development/maintenance is necessary for electronic document management.


CONTACT INFORMATION: MR . JAMES CATOZZI , PURCHASING MANAGER , COUNCIL ROCK SCHOOL D ISTRICT MR . MATT FREDERICKSON , D IRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY , COUNCIL ROCK SCHOOL D ISTRICT PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Paperless Initiative

DESCRIPTION:

In Solanco SD, a web-based HTML PDF methodology with one website for the public and another

secure website for board members and administrative staff is utilized.

In Chambersburg SD, vendor software was implemented that automatically opens for school

board members’ viewing five days in advance of a school board meeting and public viewing

three days in advance of the meeting. In addition, the software automatically sends an email

upon a document being revised or updated.

In Council Rock SD, Microsoft Share Point Portal Server 2007 (private) and School Wires (public)

software is used. The secure site is open to school board members and central administrators.

The public site is open to anyone.

RESULTS:

See benefits.

COSTS:

Computers for each board member

Implementation and set up by district staff

Training for school board members

Projector and screen for public viewing in board room

BENEFITS:

Improved communications

Archived retrieval of approved minutes and attachments

Improved staff productivity

Transparency of process to taxpayers and parents

Use of board room for training

Reduced stress in agenda development

Ability to begin to develop the board agenda months in advance

Reduced copy, mailing and supplies costs

CHALLENGES:

Initial resistance by some school board members.


CONTACT INFORMATION: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENTS @ SOLANCO SD, C HAMBERSBURG SD AND C OUNCIL ROCK SD PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Electronic Board Meetings

DESCRIPTION:

The school board of the Cannon-McMillan SD passed a Green Resolution. As part of their Green

Initiative, a secondary science teacher submitted a grant in 2005 for a pond at the high school.

After diligent follow-up with state legislators, the district was able to secure the initial and two

follow-up grants for a pond. The pond was completed in the fall of 2008, and the science curricu-

lum incorporates lessons plans. Other subject areas have also integrated the pond it their cur-

riculum, including secondary student interaction with elementary students.

RESULTS:

See benefits.

COSTS:

The pond was arranged through a $15,000 grant and two additional grants totaling $4,000,

which allow for equipment and coordinating field trips.

BENEFITS:

A number of instructional benefits have resulted. The pond is incorporated into lesson designs to

achieve positive student results. It also allows for an aesthetically pleasant environment for

their campus and as a small preserve for natural wildlife. The entire school community benefits

from educational endeavors, such as the pond. The district is building environmental awareness

among its school community.

CHALLENGES:

Overall, stakeholders responded positively. Proceeding with moderation, the district’s intent is

to continue a path of environmental stewardship as both their community and school finances

will benefit over time.


CONTACT INFORMATION: JONI MANSMANN , D IRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND F INANCE , CANON-MCM ILLAN SD 724-746-2940 PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Environmental Education

Pond

DESCRIPTION:

The school board of the Cannon-McMillan SD passed a Green Resolution. As part of their Green

Initiative, an elementary technology teacher initiated a grant writing process to obtain a wind

turbine. The wind turbine has since been erected and is now a focus in their educational pro-

gram. Although it does not generate enough electricity for a school, it does produce what would

be used in an average home.

RESULTS:

See benefits.

COSTS:

The wind turbine was arranged through a $10,000 grant.

BENEFITS:

A number of instructional benefits have resulted. The on-going ability of classroom teachers to

incorporate the wind turbine into their lesson design results in heightened knowledge levels of

student achievement. In effect, environmental awareness among the school community is being

built.

CHALLENGES:

Overall, stakeholders responded positively. Proceeding with moderation, the district’s intent is

to continue a path of environmental stewardship as both their community and school finances

will benefit over time.


CONTACT INFORMATION: JONI MANSMANN , D IRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND F INANCE , CANON-MCM ILLAN SD 724-746-2940 PASBO GREEN COMMITTEE

Topic: Environmental Education

Wind Turbine

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