Members of the A.C. Reynolds High School Environmental Club set a goal to make a positive change. The end result was a special lesson that combined both science and civics.
In a collaborative effort with school system leaders, the students helped develop a comprehensive sustainability policy for Buncombe County Schools. The club did research, consulted with school leaders, and attended a Policy Committee meeting with teacher Maura Brower to fully understand how decisions are made.
“We started looking at things around our school that might be able to be done in more sustainable ways,” said club member Mackenzie Wise. “We then started thinking a little bigger, and wondered how our advocacy might be able to help other schools in Buncombe County.”
The draft policy aimed to reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote environmentally conscious practices. It brought together tenets that existed in several separate school system policies. Members of the Environmental Club were present when the Policy Committee approved sending the policy to the full Board of Education, and again when the Board unanimously voted on the measure. BCS Policy 1120, “Sustainability,” was unanimously approved this spring.
“This policy is stronger because of our students and their thoughtful solutions,” said Chip Cody, Assistant Superintendent of School Auxiliary Services. “Beyond the policy itself, the process has provided them with real-world experience in leadership, collaboration, and public service.”
“It’s special that we came together and accomplished this together,” said club member Cora Elliot. “Hopefully, this work will lead to long lasting change.”
