The Steps to Action

Step #1

Pass End Statement

Step #2

Climate Action Plan

Step #3

Implementation & Action Phase

 

  • Our first step towards getting DPS to fight climate change and be more sustainable is to create a climate action end statement and to modify some of DPS’ current policies to recognize environmental injustice. This policy has been created by our team of dozens of students from DPS. Directors Baldermann and Director Olson have sponsored it. We hope the DPS Board will pass the Sustainability End Policy before the 2021-2022 school year ends. (Completed!)

  • Our second step is to work with the DPS Sustainability Department to develop the Climate Action Plan. This is where the DPS Department of Sustainability will create specific targets, similar to the goals we outlined in our May 2021 Resolution, including to use 100% clean electricity by 2030 per Denver’s 100% Renewable Electricity Plan; and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% of the levels of district-wide greenhouse gas emissions that existed in 2010 by 2050. Director LeeAnn Kittle from the Sustainability Office is very supportive of such efforts. She has already hired two firms to help develop a Climate Action Plan, which is set to be done by December 2022. (Completed!)

  • Our third and final step is implementing our policy. This is where we are really going to need your help! We will assist DPS in fighting climate change and work directly within the Denver community. (In progress!)

Climate Action End Statement 1.6

DPS shall be a national leader in establishing an organizational culture anchored in sustainability, climate action, and environmental justice in both the conservation of natural resources and in minimizing the carbon footprint of DPS’ practices.

(An “end statement” or policy describes the goal or principle a school board and superintendent needs to stand by. In this case, this policy asks for sweeping reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This policy is one of the six policies (1.6) that Denver Public Schools has, and the superintendent is kept accountable for whether or not he’s achieving the policies. Although this policy is one sentence, it can be longer depending on the school district. To learn more, visit Unit 3 in our Toolkit.)

Global End Statement

The Denver Public Schools will provide students with Racial and Educational Equity to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to become contributing adults in our complex world. The Board of Education is committed to the singular and ambitious vision that every child is civically engaged, reaches their full potential, and thrives.

(A Global End Statement is a general goal or principle that describes what the school board has to accomplish. )