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Students press PAUSD to make sustainability part of the 'Promise'
Summary
A string of student speakers at the April 29 PAUSD study session urged the board to embed sustainability in the district’s goals, asking for curriculum, fleet electrification, carbon offsetting or afforestation, and a formal student seat on the sustainability committee.
Dozens of students addressed the Palo Alto Unified School District board on April 29 urging the board to embed sustainability and climate action in the PAUSD Promise.
Student speakers representing campus climate clubs and coalitions—many identifying their grade level and club leadership—asked trustees to add sustainability across Promise pillars. ‘‘We must serve future generations by ensuring a more sustainable world,’’ Sidarth, a sophomore at Pi and co-president of a campus environment club, told the board.
Speakers recommended specific measures: integrate environmental literacy across grade levels, prioritize electrifying the district’s white fleet, pursue zero-waste dining and plastic-free food options, consider carbon offsets and afforestation, and formally seat student representatives on the district sustainability committee so students can participate in committee meetings.
Evra Sha, identifying as vice president of a school eco club, described sustainability as ‘‘imperative to the well-being of the students’’ and urged the board to treat it as a cross-cutting priority. Isan Morty argued electrifying the district fleet would both reduce the district’s carbon footprint and demonstrate a commitment to green energy.
Board members acknowledged the student pleas during the discussion and several trustees said sustainability can be treated as a ‘‘lens’’ that is woven through Promise pillars rather than a standalone pillar. Staff told the board they would include sustainability-related input in the draft to be circulated May 13.
