Core Values:

The AAPS Environmental Sustainability Framework is presented as a living document to be revised over time. It is based on the following Core Values developed by the Board of Education, district administration, and the ES Taskforce:

1. The climate change emergency is real, increasing and caused by human activity.

2. AAPS has a responsibility to act urgently as a district, on school campuses and as individuals, in response to the complex challenges of climate change through the mitigation of harmful human activities and the promotion of human activities that restore the environment.

3. The critical mission of AAPS is teaching and learning. The district has a responsibility to lead and educate in our community in the development of environmental and climate literacy in our students with core academic offerings and enrichment learning opportunities to ensure our community is prepared for an uncertain climate change future.

4. AAPS will continue to enhance and support healthy and sustainable school campuses by improving air quality, water quality, sustainable food systems, sustainable sites and grounds, waste management and building renovation and construction projects.

5. AAPS recognizes that the negative impacts of environmental degradation and climate change disproportionately impact marginalized and vulnerable populations and will continue to implement strategies to address these historic inequities.

Shared Commitments:

AAPS schools offer a unique opportunity in our community to help create an environmental and climate literate population, to lead by example, model responsible behavior and cast a line deep into the next generation of environmentally conscious and active leaders and citizens.

Based on these values and our unique position in our community, AAPS affirms support for the following individual and shared commitments:

• reduce the use of disposable plastics, recycle at school and compost whenever possible
• be conscious of food waste
• never litter
• be mindful of energy waste including turning off lights and other devices when not in use
• walk, bike and take public transportation when possible
• conserve water
• be respectful of the outdoor environment

Community Partnerships

AAPS recognizes that to meet the many challenges of the climate crisis will require collaboration in our community with other institutions, nonprofits and the business community.  AAPS has existing partnerships and collaborations in local environmental sustainability, including A2Zero, the Ann Arbor 2030 District, Huron River Watershed Council, the Ecology Center and others. 

AAPS Community Partnerships Office maintains a list that includes many district-level and school-based partnerships.  The AAPS Community Partnerships office offers a great resource for understanding and refining the process for enhancing existing partnerships, developing new partnerships, and creating a framework to assess partnerships, celebrate success and share best practices.

The district will continue to engage and collaborate with local institutions, nonprofits and business partners to enhance and create county-wide carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability solutions.