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24 <br /> with trail maps, nature ID guides, binoculars, magnifying glasses, colored pencils, journals and <br /> other observation and documentation tools. <br /> School Gardens: We used our Chartwells Grant funding for a part time School Garden <br /> Coordinator. This was a highly successful project that enabled us to provide support to the 13 <br /> school gardens in the district. Each garden is truly unique in its set up, who runs it, what they <br /> grow, etc. This position enabled the garden leaders and educators to take advantage of scale <br /> (seedlings and materials,) get expert advice and have someone specific for their needs. We <br /> hope to find full time funding in the future to advance the garden program. <br /> LED Lighting Upgrades: Through a program with Duke Energy and Lime Energy, we <br /> upgraded old and inefficient lighting at Frank Porter Graham Bilingual, Seawell, Glenwood, <br /> Ephesus and Lincoln Center. The program paid for 48% of the cost or $172,000. The lighting is <br /> brighter, energy efficient, motion activated and will significantly reduce outage times and <br /> electrical maintenance time. <br /> Chair Rich asked if there is a process to highlight students' efforts in these areas. <br /> Patrick Abele said a great example is the many signs all over CHCCS about turning <br /> engines off and air pollution. He said the students are doing amazing work. <br /> Amy Fowler said composting occurs in all middle and elementary schools, which started <br /> out as a student lead effort. <br /> OCS- Sara Pitts reviewed the following information: <br /> Climate & Sustainability Summary <br /> Orange County schools do not have a sustainability program but has a policy in place to make <br /> energy management conservation part of the district's daily practice. Our sustainability efforts <br /> go beyond routine facility work such as mechanical, lighting, or other building improvements to <br /> include programs and hands-on projects in our curriculum that include environmental education, <br /> teaching students to be stewards of the environment, and outreach efforts within schools and <br /> the community. <br /> Composting: Two of our elementary schools are currently piloting a cafeteria-composting <br /> program in cooperation with Orange County Solid Waste and Brooks Contractor. The pilot <br /> program will study the amount of food waste, generated from the cafeteria and kitchen, that will <br /> be diverted from the landfill and determine the program benefit in assisting the district in <br /> reducing our carbon footprint. <br /> Geothermal Project at Orange High School: In meeting long term planning goals of energy <br /> efficiency and cost savings, geothermal HVAC is currently being installed at Orange High <br /> School. 250 wells have been completed and work is currently underway to install and new air <br /> handlers and upfit the building with required water lines. Project scheduled to be completed the <br /> summer of 2021. <br /> School Gardens: Several schools have school gardens onsite. Each garden is truly unique in <br /> its set up, which class is responsible for it, and what they grow, etc. We hope to find full time <br /> funding in the future to advance the garden program. <br /> LED Lighting Upgrades: Through a program with Duke Energy, we upgraded old and <br /> inefficient lighting in all gymnasiums, and completed projects in Central Elementary, Efland <br />