22.1-212.1:2 - Green schools program; education programs to promote waste reduction and resource efficienc...

§ 22.1-212.1:2. Green schools program; education programs to promote wastereduction and resource efficiency.

A. To assist local school boards in the development and implementation ofprograms of instruction that comply with the provisions of subsection C of §22.1-253.13:1, specifically relating to citizenship and environmental issuesand geography necessary for responsible participation in American society andthe international community, the Board of Education may cooperate withenvironmental groups, other relevant state agencies, such as, but not limitedto, the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Health, andother stakeholders in the development of a green schools program forVirginia. Any such green schools program shall focus on waste reductionthrough recycling and other mechanisms and educating students to help schoolscontain costs and to reduce waste production through resource efficiency.

B. In the development and implementation of any such program, the Board shallexamine other states' green schools programs and shall receive input fromparents, teachers, school administrators, school boards, business andindustry leaders, and local governments. The Board shall also strive toidentify businesses and other organizations that may provide support in theform of resources or funding for appropriate awards for any green schoolsprogram that may be implemented in the Commonwealth.

C. Nothing herein shall be construed to require the Board or any school boardin the Commonwealth to implement a green school program or to imply orotherwise indicate that state or local funding is required to develop orimplement any green school program.

(2004, c. 882.)