Modesto City Schools is proud to unveil its 2025–2026 Sustainability Plan — the first step in a three-year comprehensive strategy to create a greener, healthier future for our students, staff, and community.
This year’s goals were developed by a diverse committee made up of classified staff, administrators, students, and teachers. Their collaboration helped shape a thoughtful, inclusive plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of our district.
The plan focuses on three main areas: sustainability education, school culture, and eco-friendly facilities, operations, and practices. MCS Director of Sustainability & Adaptation, Gilbert Blue Feather Rosas, is excited to see growth in those areas, especially with students.
“We are developing sustainability programs that educate and empower students about things like energy conservation, renewable energy, greenhouse gas reductions, improved air quality, and waste reduction,” says Rosas.
Rosas also emphasizes that when students learn about sustainability, it gives them knowledge and first-hand experience in green career options that will improve their college and career choices.
Here’s how the pillars will be established across Modesto City Schools:
Educational Sustainability
Students and staff will engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences around sustainability. From pilot lessons to full integration into core subjects like Math and English Language Arts, we’re working to make environmental education part of everyday learning. Our After School Education Safety (ASES) programs are also getting involved, and new environmental courses at the secondary level will help students earn civic engagement honors through sustainability-focused projects.
Community & Cultural Collaboration
Modesto City Schools is creating more outdoor learning spaces with Solar Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLEs), picnic tables, and green classroom designs. Our annual Earth Day celebrations are growing, with more than 75% of schools expected to participate by year three. Student voices are encouraged to lead the way through social media campaigns and other district-led initiatives. A new Sustainability Community Advisory Committee and partnerships with local organizations will help guide and expand these efforts.
Physical Environmental Sustainability
Modesto City Schools is committed to reducing waste, saving energy, and improving air quality across all campuses. Our goals include:
Recycling & Composting: Every school site will participate in a waste audit to find ways to create less waste. We’ll provide resources to help each school create and carry out its own plan for better recycling and composting.
Zero-Waste & Net-Zero Energy: We’re working toward using only as much energy as we produce and significantly cutting down on waste. Each site will take steps to improve efficiency and adopt cleaner practices.
Air Quality & Learning Spaces: Clean air is essential for student health and learning. Through inspections and improvements, we aim to create healthier indoor and outdoor spaces across the district.
Together, these efforts reflect our long-term commitment to making Modesto City Schools a leader in sustainability. We’re building a future that’s healthy, inclusive, and educational, and we invite all students, families, and community members to join us on this journey.