TUSD’s energy-conservation efforts have landed the district on a recognition list that includes big players like Apple and Google.
The Tucson Unified School District was ranked No. 12 on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Top 30 On-Site Generation list, which recognizes the largest green power generators and users in the country. It was also ranked No. 2 on the Top 30 K-12 Schools list.
TUSD is generating nearly 20 million kilowatt-hours of green power annually from on-site solar energy systems, which is equivalent to the electricity use of nearly 2,000 average American homes.
The district expects to save more than $11 million in energy costs over the 20-year life of the solar energy project.
The Marana Unified School District was also lauded by the EPA, awarding 16 schools Energy Star certification.
The recognition is presented to the most energy- efficient buildings that use 35 percent less energy and generate 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emission than similar buildings across the country.
The Energy Star schools include Butterfield Elementary, Coyote Trail Elementary, DeGrazia Elementary, Desert Winds Elementary, Estes Elementary, Ironwood Elementary, Marana High, Marana Middle, Mountain View High, Picture Rocks Intermediate, Quail Run Elementary, Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary, Roadrunner Elementary, Thornydale Elementary, Tortolita Middle and Twin Peaks Elementary.
Marana’s energy-conservation program has saved $568,000.
Grant to subsidize
fees for AP tests
The Arizona Department of Education has been awarded nearly $700,000 to help low-income students take Advanced Placement tests.
The U.S. Department of Education awarded $28.4 million in grants to 38 states, including Arizona.
By subsidizing test fees for low-income students, the program is intended to encourage those students to take Advanced Placement tests and obtain college credit for high school courses, reducing the time and cost required to complete a postsecondary degree.
Oro Valley library offers homework help
Starting Tuesday, the Oro Valley Public Library will offer free tutoring and homework help for children of all ages.
Help in math, science, social studies and writing will be available Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. are dedicated to assistance in all levels of math.
Library cardholders also have access to online homework from 2 to 11 p.m. every day except major holidays.
For more information, go to library.pima.gov/resources/homework/
