The Omaha Public Schools district is one of nine nationwide to be recognized for sustainability efforts.
The U.S. Department of Education awarded the designation to OPS, as well as to Fontenelle Elementary School. Susan Colvin, OPS’ Coordinator of District Operational Services Special Initiatives, says the district is in the fourth year of its Green Schools Initiative. That plan has saved OPS $3 million through a lighting retrofit program at district buildings.
Colvin says last school year, OPS diverted 860 tons of recyclable items from landfills.
Fontenelle Elementary principal Eric Nelson says one green initiative there is a school garden. Fontenelle also has a health and wellness program that encourages students to walk or ride their bicycles to school. The school is one of 48 in 27 states to be recognized.
To receive the designation, OPS was first recognized by the Nebraska Department of Education, and nominated.