The Auburn School District achieved Level 1 Washington Green School certification in three of its schools – Washington Elementary, Evergreen Heights Elementary and Cascade Middle School.

Five more schools will be working toward the same certification in the 2011-12 school year.

The efforts have been headed up by the district's Resource Conservation Manager Scott Weide.

For example, at Washington Elementary the school's Green Team conducted a rigorous assessment of waste reduction and recycling on its campus. As a result of the assessment, the Green Team carried out a recycling project that resulted in nearly a 50-percent reduction in solid waste and nearly $950 in savings.

"Auburn School District's new Resource Conservation Manager Scott Weide has done an excellent job promoting waste reduction and recycling," said Kathleen Edman, City of Auburn Solid Waste customer care specialist. "We wish him the best in getting the other schools certified."

The student-driven projects were made possible with the support of the teaching staff, custodial and kitchen staff and administration. Each school received along with their certification, a Washington Green Schools flag to commemorate the achievement that will be displayed prominently at each school.

For more information contact Ruth Johns, executive assistant to the superintendent at 253-931-4917.

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