Dr. Mick Zais on “Green Ribbon” Schools

In case you missed it, the SC Superintendent of Education Mick Zais recently took a stand against “green ribbon” schools. I sent him a quick “thank-you” for this by way of encouragement, knowing that he would be hearing the opposite from the NEA-directed school establishment.

Often when writing to an elected official, you get a form letter. This one appears to be a direct reply!

Thank you for your note of support concerning my decision to not participate in the “Green Ribbon” Schools program.

As State Superintendent, my goal is to ensure that every child in South Carolina acquires an education that provides the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed in careers or college as contributing members of society.  We simply cannot encourage schools to allocate funds to initiatives that will not measurably impact student growth and achievement.  More of every dollar spent on education needs to go directly to the classroom, which is a goal I continue to work towards.

There are over 50 “Green School Objectives” specified by the evaluation framework as required by the federal government.  Some of the more burdensome requirements include the following:

• “School grounds devoted to ecologically or socially beneficial uses, including those that give consideration to native wildlife.”
• “All cleaning products in use are certified ‘green,’ or can otherwise demonstrate that they meet the environmental standards of established ecolabel programs.  Custodial program is based in the principles of effective management and ‘green’ service.”
• “All food purchased is certified as environmentally preferable (e.g., Organic, FairTrade, Food Alliance, Rainforest Alliance).”

The proposed requirements have a financial cost that will be borne by state and local taxpayers, not the federal government.  A dollar spent “greening” a school is a dollar not spent in the classroom improving educational outcomes for students.

Again, thank you for contacting me.  I hope that we can count on your continued support as we work to ensure that all of our young people reach their full potential.

Sincerely,

Mick Zais, Ph.D.
State Superintendent of Education