Twenty New Jersey school districts have been chosen to participate in the Sustainable Schools Project, a three-year study conducted by the Educational Information and Resource Center (EIRC), a public non-profit service agency. The study is underwritten by a grant from the Alliance for Competitive Energy Resources (ACES), a statewide energy-buying cooperative, sponsored by NJSBA.
The study will assess the financial benefit of converting older schools to green energy, the contribution of a healthier physical environment to student achievement and the opportunities in STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) that a green school can provide students.
The participating districts are: Allamuchy (Warren); Barrington (Camden); Bedminster (Somerset); Buena (Atlantic); Boonton Township (Morris); Cherry Hill (Camden); Collingswood (Camden); Green Brook Township (Somerset); Highland Park (Middlesex); Holland Township (Hunterdon); Hopewell Valley (Mercer); Medford (Burlington); Neptune (Ocean); North Brunswick (Middlesex); Ogdensburg (Sussex); Passaic (Passaic); Plumstead (Ocean); South Orange-Maplewood (Essex); Swedeboro-Woolrich (Gloucester);West Orange (Essex).
Each project school will produce a “green strategic plan,” action steps, lesson plans and resources. Teams from the project districts will participate in training coordinated by theEducational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey, an NJSBA affiliate, and provided by the Green Schools Leadership Institute. Operated by EIRC, the institute assists educators in efforts to “green” schools and integrate curriculum with state and national education standards, particularly those addressing science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
