During its June meeting, the Chicago Board of Education (Board) unanimously approved a resolution to launch a Healthy Green Schools Pilot Program that aims to invest in clean energy and building electrification projects across 12 neighborhood schools by fiscal year 2026. The resolution prioritizes student health, fiscal responsibility, and equity—placing Chicago Public Schools (CPS) on a path to becoming a national leader in sustainable, healthy school infrastructure. Aligned with its 2024–2029 Together We Rise Strategic Plan, the District is advancing 21st century learning environments by pursuing consistent public and private capital funding to support facility upgrades, green schools, and renewable energy solutions. Through the pilot, CPS aims to implement clean energy systems such as rooftop solar panels, heat pumps, and geothermal technology at selected schools. These projects are expected to yield long-term cost savings by leveraging available state and federal incentives—including renewable energy credits and direct pay tax credits.

What the Resolution Aims to Accomplish

• Launch at least 12 clean energy and electrification projects in environmental justice communities by fiscal year 2026, focusing on areas most affected by pollution.

• Create a Green Schools Revolving Fund to reinvest energy savings into school health upgrades, such as filtered water fountains, mold and asbestos removal, and better air quality.

• Build career and technical education into all pilot projects, giving CPS students hands-on experience in green construction and clean energy fields.

• Expand collaboration with labor partners to ensure projects use local workers and offer workforce training for CPS students.