DOE honors Encinitas Union School District

ENCINITAS (CNS) – The Encinitas Union School District was one of two
districts honored this week in the state Department of Education's Green Ribbon
Schools Program.

The state program mirrors the federal Green Ribbon Schools initiative to
honor energy efficiency, education on sustainability, and student health and
wellness improvements.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson nominated the
Encinitas district for the national awards last month.

“We all look forward to the day when every school is a green school,”
Torlakson said. “California Green Ribbon Schools recognizes and encourages
the efforts of schools and districts to make a comprehensive environmental and
sustainability education available to all students in healthy and efficient
facilities.”

He said the Encinitas Union School District has reduced lunchtime waste
by 85% by recycling and composting, has two large-scale organic farming
efforts, takes part in farm-to-cafeteria programs and participates in National
Wildlife Federation programs.

The district serves 5,400 K-6 grade students in nine elementary schools,
all of which have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools.

District officials will be honored in June. Torlakson also bestowed
honors on Santa Cruz City Schools and two campuses in Long Beach, Lowell and
Twain elementary schools.