Redondo Beach Unified One of 5 Nominated For Green Ribbon Schools Program

REDONDO BEACH, CA -- The Redondo Beach and Culver City unified school districts were among five nominees announced Friday for the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools program, honoring schools and districts that promote conservation and environmental literacy.

Also nominated were the Montecito Union School District in Santa Barbara County, Yosemite High School in Merced County and The Thacher School in Ventura County.

"Through their environmental practices, the schools and districts we honor today are teaching students to be responsible stewards of our precious resources," said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. "I commend their commitment to instill policies and habits that will continue our forward progress in establishing healthy campuses and communities."

The U.S. Department of Education is expected to choose honorees from 25 states and the District of Columbia on April 24.

Redondo Beach Unified was noted for its emphasis on student and staff safety, the solar shade structures included on each campus and its environmentally sustainable facilities.

Culver City Unified was nominated for working to foster a "culture of sustainability," particularly through a "Green5" education program aimed at increasing awareness of the need to reduce, reuse, recycle, ride and rethink.

-- City News Service, Patch file photo