The Ontario EcoSchools program is most effective when school boards use the Ontario EcoSchools resources as a template to develop environmental policies and standards to conserve energy and minimize waste. When boards support these policies they provide students with "the knowledge, skills, perspectives and practices they need to become environmentally responsible citizens." 1

It is important that both curriculum and facilities (and other departments as well) work together to participate in the program. The EcoSchools office can provide examples of successful EcoSchools pilots from other boards and offer successful strategies in building an implementation team in your board.

EcoSchools Board Representative
Each board using EcoSchools assigns a single staff member to be the EcoSchools representative. The Board EcoSchools representative attends various PD sessions and vets applications if their schools apply for certification. They are also responsible for disseminating information and updates from Ontario EcoSchools to schools.

If your board would like to find out more about EcoSchools please contact our office. Information sessions for senior staff are available.

1 Shaping our Schools, Shaping our Future: Environmental Education in Ontario Schools, Province of Ontario, 2007