EcoSchool Network urges North Clackamas board to add ‘sustainability’ to core values

Celeste Lewis, a board member of the EcoSchool Network, told the North Clackamas School District Board of Directors on Nov. 13 that the district should expand its core values to include “sustainability.” She asked the board to integrate sustainability into the district’s vision, operations and curriculum and offered EcoSchool Network assistance in the next strategic planning process.

The EcoSchool Network serves families and schools in the Portland area and, Lewis said, works directly with North Clackamas parents in 12 of the district’s 18 elementary schools. “The goal is to help preschool schools become models of sustainability so that students can develop the values and skills needed to preserve a healthy environment for all,” Lewis said during the public comment period. She described local projects that include recycling campaigns, clothing swaps, Earth Day events, idle-free zones, bike buses and student green teams.

Lewis said trained parent volunteers support classroom teachers and that the network has submitted written testimony and a flyer to the board. She asked the district to keep sustainability practices developed at the school level as the district undertakes strategic planning and to include EcoSchool Network representatives in that work.

Board members did not take formal action during the meeting. The request was recorded as public comment and will be available for board consideration during future planning discussions.