Mayor Mike McGinn, Representative Hans Dunshee and Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools Maria Goodloe-Johnson were at Green Lake Elementary School (2400 N 65th St) this morning (Tuesday, Oct.19, 2010) for a press conference.
The mayor began speaking at 8:45 a.m. in the foyer of the school, directly inside the main entrance:
Mayor McGinn, Representative Dunshee, Superintendent Goodloe-Johnson, and members of the Seattle Public Schools facilities team discussed energy-efficient upgrades that more than 50 Seattle Public Schools will be receiving. The projects will be funded through $14 million in energy grants awarded to date from the Washington State Department of Commerce and the Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction.
A press release provided by Seattle Public Schools described Green Lake Elementary as “a great example of a school in need of energy efficiency improvements.” Built in 1967, the building, according to the press release, “requires substantial upgrades.” The school currently has unstable heating and cooling and the rooms typically overheat.
Retrofits to Green Lake Elementary will begin in June 2011. The school’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, building controls, and steam heat boiler will be replaced, and energy efficient lighting will be installed.
Superintendent Goodloe-Johnson speaks to a first-grader and her father about the upcoming improvements to Green Lake Elementary School
“Not only will the students and staff enjoy a more stable, comfortable and productive learning and teaching environment,” the press release reads, “but cost savings from these improvements will result in long lasting paybacks to the District. Additionally, the carbon footprint will be lessened.” At the press conference, McGinn added that “green schools improve kids’ performance on standardized tests by 5-26 percent. And the investment creates good local jobs.”
The event was wrapped up by 9 a.m. As morning drop-off began, the mayor stood on the sidewalk in front of the school, fielding questions from reporters.
The mayor speaks to reporters in front of Green Lake Elementary School, across the street from Green Lake United Methodist Church
Update, 1:15 p.m.: Video of the press conference has been made available by the Seattle Channel:
