Sustainability update: tree plantings, composting, solar and new welding lab highlighted

The Virginia Beach School Board received an update Tuesday on the division’s sustainable‑schools work, which officials said combines environmental, economic and social goals while connecting students to hands‑on learning.

Ryan Hersey, sustainability officer in Facility Services, presented district accomplishments and ongoing projects, emphasizing student engagement and partnerships with parks, utilities and outside funders.

Why it matters: Presenters framed sustainability not only as infrastructure work to reduce energy use and costs but as an instructional opportunity — a way to teach students about trees, water, renewable energy and careers in trades such as welding.

Highlights - Urban canopy and outdoor learning: Five partner schools celebrated Arbor Day and three schools were certified as Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation. Corporate Landing Elementary and Middle planted nearly 70 trees across two campuses; the district plans to plant more than 550 trees at school sites using Dominion Energy mitigation funds and support from Parks and Recreation. - Composting and student accountability: Arrowhead Elementary piloted an in‑school composting system designed by custodial staff that ties student participation to conduct‑based selection; the district said the system engages students, helps cafeteria waste diversion and supports school gardens. - Solar and energy dashboard: Ocean Lakes Elementary reached net‑zero energy after incremental renovations, and the division’s utilities dashboard visualizes actual energy data for schools. Solar installations began in December at Red Mill Elementary and Lansdowne schools, with Old Donation School slated for summer 2025. Presenters noted temporary regulatory delays with a local utility had been resolved. - Augmented reality and career exposure: The division installed AR sandboxes at several elementary schools and used the tool in environmental studies projects that produced real‑world solutions adopted by external partners. A new welding lab — funded by more than $2 million from the U.S. Department of Defense as part of a regional maritime training initiative — opened in September and increased CTE enrollment.

Board exchange and questions Board members asked whether teachers outside sustainability staff led many of the projects (presenter: yes, school‑based educators incorporate materials into lessons), how initiatives were scheduled during the school day, and how projects are funded (many use external grants and partner resources). Members lauded student engagement and the connection to career pathways.

Next steps The sustainability committee will meet again in March to coordinate priorities, funding opportunities and curriculum integration. Presenters said several initiatives will continue to focus on student ownership, workforce exposure and low‑cost partnerships to expand programming.

Ending note Board members highlighted the learning potential in student‑led sustainability projects and encouraged continued use of outside funding and partnerships to scale infrastructure and curriculum work.