Inaugural 2024 Climate-Ready Schools Symposium
On April 30, 2024, the County Office of Education held its inaugural Climate-Ready Schools Symposium to help school district leaders learn and share promising practices that improve environmental literacy, address legislative requirements, and promote sustainable operations and facilities. Participants heard from keynote speakers, including two high school student leaders, and attended breakout sessions from leading practitioners and agency experts who shared strategies, funding sources, and regional resources to accomplish environmental education and sustainability goals.
The event ended with a ceremony celebrating 18 standout leaders who received Sustainable and Climate Resilient Schools Challenge awards for their efforts to create sustainable school communities.
2024 Symposium Agenda
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. | Light Breakfast |
| 9:00 to 9:50 a.m. | Introduction and Keynote Speaker |
| 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. | Breakout Session One |
| 11:00 to 11:50 a.m. | Breakout Session Two |
| 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. | Sustainable and Climate-Ready Awards Ceremony |
| 1:15 to 1:30 p.m. | Closing |
Keynote Speaker: Jonathan Klein
Co-Founder and CEO, UndauntedK12
Jonathan Klein is a nationally recognized social entrepreneur, campaign strategist, and executive with a demonstrated history of impact in education and politics. He is a co-founder of GO Public Schools, Revolution Foods, and the Oakland Public Education Fund, and a fellow at the Emerson Collective. Jonathan has experience teaching and working within large urban school districts, and has advised parents, educators, and elected leaders across the country. He was radicalized around the climate crisis while chaperoning middle schoolers at September 2019's climate strike.
Breakout Session One (10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.)
Breakout Session Two (11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.)
Julie Hilborn
Coordinator, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability
Email: jhilborn@smcoe.org
Phone: (650) 802-5406