Students urge district action on climate: petition for solar panels and rainwater-capture project presented to board

Student leaders and the Carmel High School Environmental Club used public comment to press the board on climate-related projects and educational opportunities.

Juliet Norman, Associated Student Body president and Carmel High Student Senate president, said the student senate passed a climate protection resolution recognizing climate change as "a major challenge" and calling for educational and operational improvements including pursuing a regional $64 million solar grant. Norman said she had shared the resolution and related materials with the superintendent and other local agencies; Superintendent Sharon Ofek and Chief Operations Officer Dan Paul were copied and Norman said Paul will meet with the solar-funding representative next week.

Following Norman, Environmental Club president Leila Glaser outlined a student proposal for a rainwater catchment (cistern) system at Carmel High School to collect roof runoff and use it for irrigation of a large lawn and plantings. Glaser said the project could reduce water use, serve as a hands-on sustainability demonstration for students and could be advanced with grant support; she said club members would assist with planning and implementation and asked the district to move the project forward this school year.

Board President Jason Remenzi directed that the material be scanned into the public record. District staff indicated Chief Operations Officer Dan Paul had earlier discussed grant possibilities with the students and will follow up; no formal board action was taken at the meeting on either solar funding or the rainwater-capture proposal.