The Chicago Board of Education voted unanimously on June 26 to adopt the "Healthy Green Schools" resolution, a plan that directs the district to pilot clean-energy and building-electrification projects at multiple schools and to prioritize environmental-justice communities.

The resolution calls for at least 12 pilot projects in the coming fiscal year — examples provided in board discussion included rooftop solar and heat-pump installations — and creation of a Healthy Green Schools Revolving Fund to reinvest energy savings into building improvements that directly affect student health, such as filtered drinking fountains and remediation of water damage, mold or asbestos.

Board members said the proposal is designed both to reduce long-term operating costs and to create an education-to-career pathway. The resolution includes language encouraging partnerships with labor and career and technical education programs so students gain hands-on exposure to renewable-energy trades.

Board Member Thodakurra, who introduced the resolution, framed it as an equity and fiscal strategy. "These are investments that can dramatically reduce energy and maintenance costs over time while creating healthier, safer environments for our students," she said during debate. Board Member Lopez, a co-sponsor, noted that "the average of CPS buildings is over 80 years old" and urged the board to direct improvements to schools in historically underinvested neighborhoods.

Authorities and incentives cited by backers include federal and state funding opportunities such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act; the resolution also builds on a district healthy-school certification recognized earlier in 2025.

Vote and next steps: The roll call was 17–0 in favor. The board asked staff to work with unions and community partners to identify pilot sites, outline the financing plan, and return to trustees with a detailed implementation schedule and criteria for site selection.