CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - The Katonah-Lewisboro School District (KLSD) has been named a 2026 New York State Green Ribbon School District — one of only two districts statewide to receive the honor this year.
The Green Ribbon designation recognizes districts where students, staff, and communities work together to create energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthy learning environments while preparing students to become environmentally literate citizens.
“This recognition reflects years of thoughtful planning and a shared commitment across our schools,” said Superintendent Ray Blanch. “Sustainability in KLSD is embedded in how we operate, how we teach, and how our students engage with the world.”
Over the past several years, KLSD has made significant progress in reducing its environmental impact. In 2019, the district transitioned to 100 percent renewable, wind-powered electricity through the purchase of electronic Renewable Energy Certificates (e-RECs), reducing carbon emissions by approximately 887 metric tons annually. Solar arrays at the middle and high schools offset roughly 120,000 kilowatt-hours each year, while districtwide LED lighting upgrades, improved building systems, and the addition of electric buses have increased overall efficiency.
Together, those initiatives have helped the district reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 59 percent compared to 2008-09 levels — surpassing its 2030 target seven years ahead of schedule.
Board of Education Trustee and Sustainability Committee Chair Barbara Williams said the recognition reflects the community’s collective effort.
“This achievement reflects our community’s deep commitment to creating a more sustainable world and embodies our vision for KLSD: to be a model of excellence where students, educators, and families come together to make meaningful progress in any area we set our minds to,” Williams said.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Lisa Herlihy said sustainability efforts are reflected throughout the district’s operations.
“At its core, sustainability is about responsible decision-making,” Herlihy said. “You see it in our infrastructure, our budgeting priorities, and the systems we’ve put in place to operate more efficiently and responsibly over time.”
Students across the district also play an active role in sustainability initiatives, including food and coat drives, waste-free lunch programs, and school gardens that provide produce to the local community. High school students maintain bluebird nest boxes to support local wildlife, middle school students cultivate a pollinator meadow, and elementary students use recycled materials in STREAM labs to tackle hands-on challenges.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Julia Drake said sustainability is woven throughout classroom instruction.
“Receiving this recognition affirms the intentional work happening in our classrooms every day,” Drake said. “Sustainability in KLSD is not a standalone topic; it’s integrated across disciplines, giving students meaningful opportunities to think critically, solve real-world problems, and understand their role as global citizens shaping a more sustainable future.”
The district’s sustainability efforts are guided by a long-term, systems-based strategy. KLSD is currently in the second year of a three-year sustainability plan aligned with Vision 2030 and has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2040.
Construction of a geothermal well is underway at Katonah Elementary School, solar arrays are being installed at every school, and 16 electric vehicle charging stations have been added at the middle/high school campus. Combined, the projects are expected to generate approximately 2.1 megawatts of renewable energy.
State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa praised the district’s work.
“The Katonah-Lewisboro School District should be proud of its efforts to build a more sustainable, environmentally responsible school community,” Rosa said. “By integrating sustainability across disciplines — from science and technology to the humanities — the district has created meaningful, real-world learning experiences that prepare students to become thoughtful stewards of their communities and the earth.”
Blanch said the recognition belongs to the entire school community.
“This designation reflects the collective efforts of our entire school community,” he said. “Our students are not only learning about sustainability — they are helping lead it.”
Information provided by Katonah-Lewisboro School District.
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