Schools of Illinois Public Cooperative

Dear Fellow School Officials:

Connecticut and Maryland have joined a growing list of states that have passed into law legislation similar to that already in place in Illinois and New York that mandates green cleaning in elementary and secondary schools. At the present, there are a total of 17 states that have already adopted a green cleaning procurement policy of one nature or another. Education leaders throughout the country are grappling with the realities that come with the understanding that the status quo is unacceptable in addressing custodial operations going forward.  

In Illinois the state invited the Schools of Illinois Public Cooperative (SIPC) and our sustainable building consultant, Jim Sheffer, to join a select group of individuals and organizations entrusted with the task of drafting guidelines and specifications for the purpose of implementing the Illinois Green Cleaning School Act. The final version of the guidelines and specifications set forth a series of required and recommended practices to improve the health and environment of elementary and secondary schools in Illinois.

School Cleaning Organizational Redesign for the Environment (SCORE)  was developed by Mr. Sheffer to offer school districts, community colleges, and universities opportunity to engage in a coordinated cost management curriculum designed to address the considerable challenges surrounding cleaning school buildings today: declining budgets, staff turnover, and ever demanding governmental regulations fueled by increased public health awareness. SCORE encompasses the use of eco-sensitive products and procedures along with full and comprehensive matrix and training components that raise awareness and promotes the health and safety of everyone involved. The program is self-funded with the purchase of eco-sensitive products procured from AmSan with pricing reflective of that negotiated by the Schools of Illinois Public Cooperative.

I beg you to ask the question, “IS YOUR SCHOOL GREEN”. If not, take the SCORE challenge.

Respectfully,

Dr. Kevin Settle
SIPC Chairman