State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Congratulates California Green Ribbon Schools for Receiving Federal Awards

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced that one California school district and four individual schools received 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) and District Sustainability Awards. California is the only state with five honorees this year.

“Congratulations to these schools and district for engaging kids to understand and act on environmental issues,” said Thurmond. “The great programs they’ve created help students gain the knowledge they need to lead the way on global-sized problems like climate change and local challenges like water quality.”

California's honorees are:

• Carrisa Plains Elementary School, Atascadero Unified, San Luis Obispo County
• Eagle Rock Elementary School, Los Angeles Unified, Los Angeles County
• Quail Lake Environmental Charter, Sanger Unified, Fresno County
• Rialto Unified School District, San Bernardino County
• St. James Academy (private) in Solana Beach, San Diego County

Across the country, 35 schools, 14 districts, and four postsecondary institutions are being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education.

The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 28 states. The selectees include 25 public schools, including three magnet schools and two charter schools, as well as 10 nonpublic schools. Thirty-six percent of the 2019 honorees serve a disadvantaged student body.

The list of all selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities, as well as their nomination packages, can be found at the ED-GRS Awards web page . A report with highlights on the 53 honorees can be found at the ED-GRS Performance web page . More information on the federal recognition award can be found at the (ED-GRS) program web page . Resources for all schools to move toward the three Pillars can be found at the Green Strides web page .

A report with highlights on the 53 honorees can be found at the ED-GRS Performance web page . More information on the federal recognition award can be found at the (ED-GRS) program web page . Resources for all schools to move toward the three Pillars can be found at the Green Strides web page .

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Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100