Vol. 43, No. 5
January 22, 2009
DESE Publishes “Green Cleaning” Guide for Schools
A guide to help Missouri school districts employ “green” cleaning practices in their facilities has been developed and published by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
As required by legislation enacted last year (Section 161.365), state education officials convened a committee of stakeholders to assist in developing “Green Cleaning Guidelines and Specifications for Schools.” The guide was formally adopted last week by the State Board of Education.
The guide provides recommendations for school officials and maintenance personnel on selecting “green” cleaning products, paper products and commercial cleaning equipment. It also offers general recommendations on topics such as recycling, disposing of food waste and routine maintenance procedures.
“The law does not require school districts to adopt specific policies, but it encourages schools to use more eco-friendly products and practices. Many school districts are already moving in this direction. The new guide should provide some practical guidance for local school boards and school personnel,” said Tom Quinn, assistant commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Missouri is one of four states to enact a law regarding the development of green cleaning guidelines for public schools, Quinn said.
Public school officials have been asked to make the guide available to administrators in every building and to their maintenance and custodial personnel.