The Tarrytown Board of Education on Thursday, Oct. 8, unanimously adopted a climate action resolution proposed by the Westchester Rivertowns chapter of Mothers Out Front. The resolution commits the district to aim for a phase-out of fossil fuels from buildings and powering its operations with 100% renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and making the school grounds more eco friendly and resilient.
A new district task force will develop a comprehensive action plan to guide the district’s work toward those goals. The district will seek to conduct an audit of the district’s greenhouse gas emissions and will update the facilities master plans for facilities and grounds to align with the goals.
“I strongly believe this resolution aligns with our community’s shared values of resilience, sustainability, and well-being,” said Gabriela Bost, Mothers Out Front member. “Our schools are uniquely positioned to provide the educational framework and leadership necessary to help our students and community thrive in a changing world.”
The Mothers Out Front chapter brought the resolution forward to build upon the district’s existing sustainability initiatives and to ensure they are part of a comprehensive vision and long-term plan. The district’s existing efforts include solar installations and the electrification of two of its buildings as part of capital improvement projects. The chapter had advocated for electrification to be included in that work, and encouraged the district to explore the state’s Clean Green Schools program, which awarded the district a $10 million grant for the electrification project.
Community members spoke at the meeting to support the resolution and emphasized the need to track and report on progress toward the goals. The task force will provide updates to the school board at least annually.
“We thank the Tarrytown School Board for taking this important step to protect a healthy environment and vibrant future for our children and community, said Alison Thompson, Mothers Out Front member. “Our district continues to make great strides towards decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, lowering energy costs through increased efficiency, and strengthening sustainability measures. We look forward to the convening of a task force to develop and implement a climate action plan.”
