VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY - 2004 SESSION

CHAPTER 882

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-212.1:2, relating to education programs to promote waste reduction and resource efficiency; green schools program.

[S 315]      

Approved April 15, 2004

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-212.1:2 as follows:

     22.1-212.1:2  Green schools program; education programs to promote waste reduction and resource efficiency.

    A. To assist local school boards in the development and implementation of programs of instruction that comply with the provisions of subsection C of 22.1-253.13:1, specifically relating to citizenship and environmental issues and geography necessary for responsible participation in American society and the international community, the Board of Education may cooperate with environmental groups, other relevant state agencies, such as, but not limited to, the Department of Enviornmental Quality and the Department of Health, and other stake holders in the development of a green schools program for Virginia.  Any such green schools program shall focus on waste reduction through recycling and other mechanisms and educating students to help schools contain costs and to reduce wasted production through resource efficiency.

     B. In the development and implementation of any such program, the Board shall examine other states' green schools programs and shall receive input from parents, teachers, school administrators, identify businesses and other organiations that may provide support in the form of resources or funding for appropriate awards for any green schools program that may be implemented in the Commonwealth.

     C. Nothing herein shall be construed to require the Board or any school board in the Commonwealth to implement a green school program or toimply or otherwise indicate that state or local funding is required to develop or implement any green school program.