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Everett schools report progress on sustainability: electric buses, charging stations, green-team tools and composting data
Summary
District staff briefed the board on the Sustainability Advisory Council’s work, including a recent electric-bus demonstration, installation of 11 charging stations, procurement ethics updates, a new Canvas portal for school green teams and composting data from vendor Cedar Grove.
District staff updated the Everett Public Schools board on May 27 about sustainability work that has advanced since the February briefing, including electric buses, charging infrastructure, procurement changes and school-level green-team supports.
Sustainability coordinator (presentation) Mike Fleckenstein told the board the district rode a full-size electric bus at the North satellite bus facility and noted the district has installed 11 charging stations. "What was most noticeable about the experience was that people could actually hear one another when they were riding the bus," Fleckenstein said. Staff described the charging system's ability to regulate and optimize charging across multiple vehicles.
The presentation covered procurement and a draft code of ethics to incorporate sustainability criteria into requests for proposals. Executive Director Tress (procurement) led a discussion of how the district will highlight sustainability in RFP forms and consider sustainable purchasing best practices through participation in an external Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council.
District staff also described a new Canvas portal and planning guide to lower barriers for schools forming green teams. The portal includes step-by-step materials and a certification pathway tied to school projects such as composting; the district's composting vendor, Cedar Grove, can supply data on volumes and frequency to support certification projects.
Board members praised the work and asked clarifying questions about grants and construction. Director Lawrence noted that the district partnered with an outside entity on grant applications for large buses; Fleckenstein responded that the department of ecology provided funds for the buses. Trustees also asked about the Jackson Elementary modernization and other future capital projects tied to the capital projects fund balance.
Staff previewed next year’s Sustainability Advisory Council meetings and invited community members to participate. No board votes or formal policy changes were made at the May 27 presentation.
