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Q&A
Expansion of hydroponic and sustainability programs in schools
0:43:05
ยท
122 sec
Council Member Schulman inquires about the expansion of hydroponic planning and sustainability programs in collaboration with New York Sunworks. DOE officials express support for these initiatives and discuss their benefits for students.
- DOE is working on expanding these programs across the school system
- Students, including ELL classes, are actively involved in harvesting and other activities
- These programs provide a safe and serene space for students, contributing to their education and well-being
- Graduates from NYC public schools are returning to work with these programs, fostering community engagement
Lynn Schulman
0:43:05
And I know chancellor, your staff actually contacted me about the sustainability programs we have with New York Sunworks to do the hydroponic planning.
0:43:17
And you know one of the schools I just had cut the ribbon last week, an ELL class is actually doing the harvesting and everything else and I want to know what you're doing to help us expand that in the system.
Emma Vadehra
0:43:38
That's great.
0:43:39
I appreciate that question very much.
0:43:40
So as you know, we have more of those springing up across our system.
0:43:43
I don't have the exact number that we're working on for next year, which would be relevant.
0:43:47
We can make sure we come back to you with that.
0:43:49
But it is something that our facilities team, our sustainability team, which oversees both the building side and the working with teachers side is continuing to expand across the system and would love to do a visit.
Lynn Schulman
0:43:59
Yeah.
0:43:59
Just what if I could just continue that line of questioning.
0:44:02
Yes.
0:44:03
So because we have limited funds that we can give as council members.
0:44:07
I just wanted to see if you would give if OMB was would be able to give you funds for that because it's so important.
0:44:12
And by the way, these kids said to the principal and to me that when they do these hydroponic programs, it gives them they feel it's a safe space for them and a serene space for them.
0:44:24
And that's so important to their education.
Melissa Aviles-Ramos
0:44:28
Chair, swear I'll be really, really quick but I'm locking eyes with council member Zenowicz because we recently visited one at Clinton High School in The Bronx.
0:44:36
And one of the amazing things is how these young people are contributing to the community by donating this food, but also we saw graduates from New York City public schools come back and work with the organizations within the schools.
0:44:51
So it's also feeding the pipeline of commitments to city employment and seeing our young people continue to positively contribute.
0:45:01
So we're with you.
0:45:02
This is why we keep saying we want to see these great things baselined in the budget, so we're with you, council member.
Lynn Schulman
0:45:08
Okay, let's work together to get the OMB to do that.