Under the soft glow of city hall lights, the Lincoln Board of Education convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss pivotal initiatives shaping the future of Lincoln Public Schools (LPS). The meeting, marked by a focus on sustainability and student behavior frameworks, showcased the district's commitment to environmental stewardship and positive educational outcomes.

Brittany Weese, the sustainability coordinator, and her assistant, Alex Kofeld, presented the 2024 Annual Sustainability Report, coinciding with Earth Day celebrations. They highlighted significant achievements, including a remarkable 50% waste diversion rate from landfills, energy efficiency improvements with 31 buildings earning Energy Star certification, and the introduction of three electric school buses through the EPA's Clean School Bus Program. The district's efforts extend beyond waste management; they also promote active transportation initiatives, such as "walk to school" days and community gardening projects, fostering environmental awareness among students.

Weese emphasized the importance of engaging students and staff in sustainability efforts, noting the successful implementation of school gardens and partnerships with local farmers to combat food deserts. The report also detailed the planting of 75 trees across the community, reinforcing LPS's commitment to environmental education and community involvement.

Transitioning to the next agenda item, Mike, the director of student services, introduced the PAR (Prevention, Accountability, and Restorative) behavior framework, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving student behavior outcomes. This framework, now in its first year of implementation, seeks to create a consistent approach to behavior management across the district. Carmen Pedrosa, a key figure in the development of the framework, shared insights into its progress and the importance of collaboration among educators, administrators, and support staff.

The board discussed the significance of data collection in assessing the framework's effectiveness, with a focus on reducing suspensions and addressing disproportionality among student groups. Pedrosa highlighted the necessity of ongoing feedback from teachers and staff to refine the approach and ensure it meets the needs of all students.

As the meeting concluded, the board members expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the sustainability and student services teams. The discussions underscored a shared vision for a greener, more inclusive educational environment, leaving attendees with a sense of optimism for the future of Lincoln Public Schools.