Columbus City Schools could commit to replacing gas-burning equipment with electric, using zero-emissions vehicles and choosing renewable energy whenever possible.
School board members are expected to vote on a policy from Safe Green Schools at their regular Tuesday meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at 3700 S. High St.
Safe Green Schools is a grassroots campaign to make Columbus City Schools carbon-neutral by 2050. School board members already pledged to hit that mark back in February.
A new piece of legislation lays out how the district can reach that goal. It calls on Superintendent Angela Chapman's office to appoint a person to oversee the district's clean energy and sustainability strategy.
"What we are trying to do is basically get the district to be able to save money to make the schools safer and to also help the environment," said Tasha Jones, a grandparent with students in the district and a fellow with Safe Green Schools.
Jones noted that as the district maneuvers significant budget cuts, cost savings from renewable energy could help save jobs and programs.
The board slashed district spending by more than $50 million earlier this month. Then, days later, board of education leaders spoke in opposition to a proposed utility increase by American Electric Power of Ohio. Board Vice President Jennifer Adair said rising electric costs could bump the district's $11 million electric bill to $13 million.
A "yes" vote on the Safe Green Schools policy would commit the district to installing electric equipment, including HVAC systems, water heaters and cooking equipment, in new buildings and during renovations, with the goal of eventually phasing out gas-burning equipment by 2045.
The district would also be obligated to purchase or lease zero-emissions vehicles whenever possible. The district's entire fleet should be electric by 2035.
All future buildings would be powered by fully renewable energy whenever feasible and new buildings would be assessed for rooftop solar. The district would also ease the approval process for community gardens and green spaces at schools.
Jones said in addition to saving money and helping the environment, the green changes would also boost student and staff health and well being.
"We have some buildings that are not in great condition. Those can be health hazards, unfortunately, for some of the students. You know, we have students and staff members that have asthma and allergies," Jones said. "Building these pieces into moving forward with our buildings will make them safer again, save money and give something that we can be proud of."
Jones said the Safe Green Schools team includes about a dozen people, but the group has engaged more than 100 district families, staff and students. Jones hopes more people join the effort to make the district more green.
"We want everybody to understand the importance of the work," Jones said. "All of this affects everyone in the district."
