Sustainable and Climate Ready Schools 

SMCOE's Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Initiative (ELSI) offers a wide variety of Technical Assistance Services for schools and districts to reach their sustainability and climate readiness goals. Sustainable and climate ready schools serve as models that equip students with the tools, resources, and life experiences to create an environmentally sustainable, socially just, and economically thriving world. There are many strategies for incorporating sustainable practices into school communities that can also reduce operational costs, create learning opportunities for students, and provide healthier learning environments. Examples include drought-resistant landscaping, electric school buses, on-site composting, and rooftop solar panels. The ELSI team and our partners offer the following types of technical assistance:

  • Consultative Services and Coaching: Sharing information and best practices, identifying needs and assets, and problem-solving. 
  • Training and Professional Development: Deliver training and professional development for a wide variety of audiences including faculty, staff, leadership, students, parents, and community partners.
  • Assessment and Strategic Planning: Conduct baseline or benchmark assessments and support the development and implementation of strategic plans for whole campus or specific focus area plans.
  • Project Management: Support or direct the management of green facilities projects. 
  • Networking: Connect school stakeholders to relevant community-based partners, utility companies, funding agencies, or other school leaders in San Mateo County.

Technical Assistance

Ron Soper

Director, Sustainable Construction and Facilities

Email: rpsoper@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5608

Julie Hilborn

Coordinator, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Email: jhilborn@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5406