Projects

Food Service Waste Reduction

In August 2020, a new system was implemented to track food waste in MPS school kitchens that serve daily breakfast and lunch to students. This system, which incorporated free Google forms and sheets, resulted in a simpler tracking process that saves time and labor. Significant improvements resulted, including:

• Food waste can be detected immediately.
• A first in, first out (FIFO) strategy is reducing waste.
• Patterns of food waste are readily available.
• Improved meal production forecasting is anticipated.
• Staff training incorporates accurate and timely collected data.

Lighting Improvements

The MPS Department of Facilities and Maintenance Services (DFMS) has embarked upon concentrated efforts to upgrade district lighting over the past several years. This work is providing cost savings to the district while reducing the carbon footprint of schools.

• A total of 28 sites have received interior and/or exterior LED upgrades.
• A further 18 sites are expected to have LED lighting upgrades designed during 2021.
• DFMS has leveraged available Focus on Energy® rebates to assist school-funded lighting upgrades for up to 50% of construction costs. Eight schools have taken advantage of these rebates.
• DFMS has leveraged Focus on Energy® rebates to enhance lighting controls at six sites to install corridor occupancy sensors.
• DFMS has worked with the MPS Department of Grant Development to procure nearly $250,000 in grant funding toward upgraded lighting at six sites.

Schoolyard Redevelopment

Twenty-one schools have been  identified for schoolyard redevelopment projects through a five-year cycle of planning, fundraising, design, construction, and stewardship. Work is expected to be completed at all 21 sites in 2022. These projects are coming to life through multiple stages, with improvements unique to each site. Work includes:

• Removal of asphalt and concrete
• Installation of bioswales and cisterns
• Construction of outdoor classrooms
• Installation of green spaces and athletic facilities
• Planting of trees, shrubs, and flower beds
• Natural spaces for children to think, work, relax, and play

Schoolyard Redevelopment Projects have been completed at 16 schools as of 2021

Work continues at five schools, with expected completion in 2022

• Benjamin Franklin
• Hayes Bilingual
• Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Neeskara
• Clement J. Zablocki

Green Schoolyard Program Partners