The New York State Education Department announced on Apr. 22 that Katonah-Lewisboro School District and Williamsville Central School District have been selected as the state’s Green Ribbon Schools Honorees for the 2025-2026 school year.
The recognition highlights efforts by both districts to promote sustainability, environmental responsibility, and student engagement in green initiatives. The honorees were chosen based on their achievements in reducing waste, improving health and wellness, and advancing environmental education in line with the three pillars of the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools program.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “I commend the Katonah-Lewisboro School District and the Williamsville Central School District for their leadership in creating more sustainable and environmentally responsible school communities. These districts exemplify how schools can advance sustainability in meaningful ways while enhancing student learning. Their work reflects a strong commitment to practices that benefit students, staff, local communities, and the planet for generations to come.”
State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Katonah-Lewisboro School District and Williamsville Central School District should be proud of their work to build more sustainable, environmentally responsible school communities. They have developed creative solutions to environmental challenges while actively engaging students in the process. By integrating sustainability across disciplines—from science and technology to the humanities—these schools have created meaningful, real-world learning experiences that will prepare students to be thoughtful stewards of their communities and the Earth.”
Katonah-Lewisboro was recognized for its renewable energy initiatives such as transitioning to wind-powered electricity in 2019—which reduced carbon emissions by about 887 metric tons annually—and installing solar arrays on school roofs offsetting approximately 120,000 kWh per year. The district is also developing a three-year sustainability plan aiming for an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 through projects like replacing fossil-fuel boilers with geothermal heat pumps and electrifying its bus fleet by 2035.
Williamsville’s program includes hands-on green technologies education, recycling efforts throughout schools, use of courtyards as learning spaces across multiple subjects, wellness programs combining physical activity with environmental awareness events like Earth Day celebrations, partnerships with organizations such as New York Power Authority for energy monitoring improvements, and plans involving high school students maintaining pollinator gardens.
Although participation at the federal level is currently paused for this program cycle due to a hold on national awards from U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS), state officials affirmed continued recognition within New York State.
