GaDOE Announces four Georgia Green Ribbon Schools
for National Green Ribbon Schools Competition
Press Conference and Announcement March 12, 2012
Click Here to download a pdf of the application
Click Here to open the application and get started!
MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Cardoza, GaDOE Communications Office, (404) 651-7358, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Keisha Ford-Jenrette, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (404) 657-2949
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February 1, 2012 -- Every year, more schools in Georgia are implementing sustainability programs to improve energy and water efficiency, air quality, and environment-based curriculum. The collective efforts and achievements of these schools have elevated Georgia to lead the Southeast in high performing, healthy green schools.
A partnership with the Georgia Department of Education, the Office of the Lt. Governor, the U.S. Green Building Council of Georgia, Georgia EPD, the Clean Air Campaign, and the Turner Foundation will bring national recognition to the state’s progress with the newly launched U.S. Department of Education’s National Green Ribbon Schools program.
The Turner Foundation has generously pledged $10,000 for the school or schools who are recognized with a National DOE Green Ribbon. [If multiple Georgia schools are selected for the National Green Ribbon Program, they will split the prize.]
“The National Green Ribbon Schools program is a perfect way to commend schools in Georgia that are striving to be more efficient, especially in this very difficult economic environment,” said State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge. “I encourage all schools that qualify for this award to apply so we can recognize them.”
“In these challenging times, school systems across the state are embracing innovative ideas to reduce costs and focus resources on the classrooms where students learn,” said Lt. Governor Cagle, “I’m proud to launch the National Green Ribbon Schools contest to recognize Georgia schools that are implementing groundbreaking tools to reduce their energy costs. This will allow us to redirect precious financial resources towards direct instruction, will create a healthier learning environment for our children, and will give our students career-relevant, first-hand experience in one of our state’s emerging industries.”
The program seeks to showcase schools across the nation where staff, students, officials and communities have worked together to produce progress in three pillars of green school activity: 1) optimal efficiency in energy, water and waste management; 2) healthy students and school environment; and 3) environmental education.
Up to four K-12 schools from Georgia who have achieved or made considerable progress toward the three qualifying pillars established in the program will be nominated to the U.S. Department of Education to compete for the coveted national distinction of being an inaugural Green Ribbon School. The application process is open to both public, charter and private schools and includes both new construction and school retrofits.
Public and private schools in Georgia were invited to download and submit the application at www.usgbcga.org or at www.gadoe.org. Applications were due February 24, 2012.
The winning Georgia schools will be announced on the steps of the State Capitol Building March 15th 2012, to kick off Georgia’s first High Performance, Healthy Schools Day. The U.S. Department of Education expects to make decisions on final awards in April during Earth Day Week and will host a national recognition award ceremony in Washington D.C. this summer.
For questions about the application process or program, please contact Keisha Ford-Jenrette at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (404) 657-2949.
