Local Schools Achieve Sustainability Certification

CAPE MAY – Sustainable Jersey for Schools announced the 83 schools that achieved the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. The 83 schools come from 24 different school districts across 13 New Jersey counties. In two years, 118 schools have achieved Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.  A total of 509 schools and 204 school districts are participating in the program overall.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is voluntary, but achieving certification is not easy. Each school that is certified at the bronze-level must submit documentation to show it has completed a balanced portfolio of the program’s sustainability actions, attaining a minimum of 150 points. “Becoming certified with Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a significant achievement for schools and their school district,” said Donna Drewes who co-directs Sustainable Jersey with Randall Solomon. “We’re thrilled with the number of schools that achieved certification and we share this success with the eight partner organizations that have joined us in this effort.” 
Five schools achieved certification at the more advanced silver-level, including Cape May City Elementary School (Cape May City School District).  Silver-level certification requires that a school reach a minimum of 350 points.  Another local school, West Cape May Elementary School, received a bronze-level certification.
The Sustainable Jersey for Schools program partners include: New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA), New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA), New Jersey Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO), New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), New Jersey Parent Teacher Association (NJPTA), New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA), New Jersey School Buildings and Grounds Association (NJSBGA) and The Sustainability Institute at The College of New Jersey.
“We are proud of the leadership provided by the boards of education and their superintendents, as well as the contributions of principals, teachers, education support professionals and parents, that made this important milestone a reality,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, New Jersey School Boards Association executive director. “We congratulate the schools on achieving Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.” On October 25, 2016, the certified schools and school districts will be celebrated at a reception held during NJSBA Workshop 2016 in Atlantic City. Workshop 2016 will feature Sustainable Jersey for Schools sessions along with NJSBA sustainability support programs for schools.