by LYNN BRIGGS

SMITHFIELD
For the fourth consecutive year, Isle of Wight County Schools has been certified as a platinum school division in the 2016 Virginia School Board Association’s Green Schools Challenge. The school division was one of 32 recognized in the challenge at the annual VSBA Conference this week in Williamsburg.

“We are excited to be a certified green school division again this year,” said Division Superintendent Dr. Jim Thornton. “This award publicly acknowledges the great efforts of Isle of Wight County Schools to be environmentally friendly and energy efficient.”

The VSBA’s Green Schools Challenge is a friendly competition designed to encourage implementation of specific environmental policies and practical actions that reduce the carbon emissions generated by both the local school division and the broader community. Isle of Wight County Schools earned more than 175 “green points” out of a possible 200 to achieve the platinum certification level.

IWCS has been recognized by the program every year since the VSBA’s green Schools Challenge launched eight years ago. This year’s competition was sponsored by Moseley Architects and ABM Building and Energy Solutions.

LYNN BRIGGS is the director of gifted services, community and media relations for Isle of Wight County Schools. She can be reached at 365-1611 or at lbriggs@iwcs.k12.va.us.