Safe Green Schools and the Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC) have applauded the Columbus City Schools (CCS) Board of Education for officially adopting the Safe Green Schools Policy, a forward-looking, fiscally responsible approach to addressing the district’s budget challenges while preparing schools for a changing climate.

Safe Green Schools works to advance smart, cost-saving energy solutions for public schools. Led by parents, educators, students, labor leaders, and policy advocates, the coalition works to ensure school facilities are healthy, resilient, and prepared for a clean energy future.

At a time when school districts across Ohio are facing severe state and federal budget cuts, the Safe Green Schools Policy positions CCS to treat sustainability as a budget solution. The policy commits the district to exploring cost-saving green infrastructure improvements whenever facilities are repaired or new buildings are constructed, including strategies like solar energy, clean geothermal HVAC systems, and energy-efficient windows and doors.

“The Safe Green Schools Policy shows that fiscal responsibility and climate responsibility are not competing priorities. This resolution reinforces both. By investing in energy-efficient infrastructure whenever we repair or build, we are lowering long-term costs while preparing our schools for a changing climate, which is why I originally introduced the policy,” said School Board Member Sarah Ingles, Chair, Policy & Governance Committee

The Safe Green Schools Policy builds on the CCS Board’s February resolution committing the district to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. As Ohio’s largest school district, CCS is demonstrating what is possible for districts across the state. This adoption shows that responsible stewardship of public resources can go hand in hand with climate preparedness and student well-being.

“With limited resources and growing needs, we have the responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of every dollar. The Safe Green Schools Policy ensures that when we invest in our facilities, we do so in ways that reduce operating costs and maximize long-term benefits for students. Good governance means planning beyond the next budget cycle,” said School Board Member Jennifer Adair, Chair, Equitable & Transparent Resources Management Committee

“As a mom of two young children in the district, I am proud that CCS has the foresight to adopt the Safe Green Schools policy, and I hope more districts follow their lead,” CCS parent Amanda King said.

“Our children are watching us and paying attention to how we support their future. I look forward to one day showing my children the solar panels on their schools’ roof.”

“Through cross-department collaborations and external partnerships, Columbus City Schools will endeavor to continue ensuring that its schools are safe, healthy, and sustainable and that combating climate change is a vital component in this mission,” Maurice Woods, Senior Chief Operating Officer (COO), Columbus City Schools said.

Safe Green Schools and OOC commended Superintendent Angela Chapman, the CCS Board of Education, and the district’s facilities department for their leadership, persistence, and commitment to finding innovative ways to reinvest in students. This victory was also made possible because parents, educators, students, and community members organized and demanded solutions that protect both education funding and children’s futures.

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