“Our students are the reason for all of the decisions we make and programs that we implement. We are sincerely proud of this level of recognition,” said MVUSD School Board President Susan Smith, expressing her pride.
“Our students are the reason for all of the decisions we make and programs that we implement. We are sincerely proud of this level of recognition,” said MVUSD School Board President Susan Smith, expressing her pride. Credit: mvusd.net

Asante-Ra

Moreno Valley Unified School District is making waves in the education world for its efforts in sustainability. 

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced that Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) is among the 2023 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Awardees. The district was nominated by the California Department of Education for its efforts in reducing environmental impact and costs, improving health and wellness, and effective environmental education.

Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora expressed pride in the district’s achievements.  “Our district’s vision is to empower students to become future-ready and positively impact the world,” he said. “It starts with us. By making changes throughout our organization’s processes and infrastructure, we are creating a better future for our students.”

“Our district’s vision is to empower students to become future-ready and positively impact the world,” said MVUSD Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. (image source: youtube.com).

Jim Burleson, Executive Director of Transportation,  Anthony Pipkins, Executive Director of Maintenance and Operations, and Dr. Esperanza Arce, Chief Academic Officer, were acknowledged for their essential roles in the district’s achievements. Included among the district’s many accomplishments, is the creation of an Energy Specialist Manager position responsible for optimizing the use of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; irrigation; and other energy-using systems. The district also transitioned its diesel buses to electric and responsible fuels and implemented the Junior Scholars Program, where middle school students solve real-world problems.

Across the country, only 26 schools, 11 districts, and four postsecondary institutions were honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education.

MVUSD is one of the 11 districts being recognized. MVUSD’s efforts in sustainability show that even small changes can make a significant impact. The list of all selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities, as well as their nomination packages, can be found here. A report with highlights on the 41 honorees can be found here. More information on the federal recognition award can be found here. Resources for all schools to move toward the three Pillars can be found here.

Asante-Ra is a versatile writer committed to delivering informative and engaging content. They are a voracious media consumer, and lifelong learner passionate about science, health, gender diversity, accessibility, racial equity, and civic participation. They have a broad range of interests including society, culture, popular education, history, human sexuality, romance, comedy, poetry, and exploring topics such as indigeneity, world religions, mythology, astrology, and Blackness.