Congratulations to the Issaquah School District for earning recognition as a King County Level Three Green School District!
The district received the designation for meeting water conservation and pollution prevention criteria. In addition, the district has been recognized as a Level One and Level Two Green School District for its waste reduction, recycling and energy conservation practices.
With direction from Superintendent Ron Thiele, sustainability is an important district focus. With leadership from Dawn Wallace, director of instructional support, a districtwide Green Team made up of school Green Team advisers, district food service and maintenance directors, and the district’s resource conservation manager regularly meet to discuss best practices, successes, challenges and mentoring opportunities between schools.
Chris Bruno, district resource conservation manager, monitors school facility utility bills, including water meter readings, recommends conservation strategies, and supports school and district sustainability strategies.
The district adopted a water conservation policy, offers custodial trainings pertaining to water conservation best practices, and selects drought-tolerant, native plants for all new landscaping.
In district offices and school facilities, energy and water conservation notices are posted near light switches and faucets, and all district offices and facilities collect recyclable and compostable materials.
Districtwide, 23 of the district’s 24 schools are participating in the King County Green Schools Program and have been recognized as Level One Green Schools; 22 of the schools also have been recognized as Level Two Green Schools; 18 as Level Three Green Schools; and 15 as Sustaining Green Schools.