Overview

Prince George's (PG) County and its Public Schools (PGCPS) developed a national model to combat climate change for our students' and communities' futures. The PGCPS Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), developed by 22 diverse climate experts, is our roadmap for change and call to action to empower our students, staff, partners, and administration to work together to transform our future on an economic, social, and environmental level.

The PGCPS CCAP recommendations were adopted by the Board of Education on April 28, 2022. The Superintendent was charged with the implementation of the eight priority recommendations and supporting actions, sub-recommendations, implementation timelines, environmental justice and lab or considerations, financing opportunities, responsible parties, and resources needed. The eight priority areas are:

1. Support Environmental Justice Through Climate Curriculum, Training and Partnerships
2. Reduce Carbon Footprint from PGCPS Buildings
3. Commit to Renewable Energy Sources for a Net Zero Emissions Future
4. Commit to Low Carbon School Transportation
5. Reduce Food Waste and Grow Climate-Friendly Food
6. Commit to Sustainable Materials Management and Procurement
7. Commit to Climate Resilient Land Management
8. Lead by Example to Support Transformational Change

Since the adoption of the CCAP, PGCPS staff have begun implementation of all eight priority areas. An interdepartmental workgroup was formed in July 2022. The steps accomplished through this workgroup have been publicly disseminated in a Mid-Year Report in January 2023 and a Year-End Report in July 2023. Additionally, in the Fall of 2023, the Director of Sustainability and Resilience was hired to lead these efforts.

Committee Purpose

The Climate Change Action Plan Ad Hoc Committee shall be a resource to PGCPS and its efforts to successfully implement the CCAP. The committee shall include members with diverse expertise and broad experiences across the eight recommendation areas. The Ad Hoc Committee shall act as a force multiplier for CCAP implementation, providing guidance, recommendations, and resources to the PGCPS Superintendent, the Director of Sustainability and Resilience and the CCAP Operational Committee, among other partners.

The Ad Hoc Committee provides an opportunity to engage more stakeholders in the process and deepens the investment in the success of the CCAP, and by extension, PGCPS and the students we serve.

Structure of the CCAP Ad Hoc Committee

• The first term of the Ad Hoc Committee shall align with the PGCPS Strategic Plan: Transformation 2026 Equity & Excellence and operate from January 2024 to December 2026.
• The purpose of the Ad Hoc Committee shall be reevaluated in September 2026 based on current requirements and priorities.
• The CCAP Ad Hoc Committee shall consist of 10-15 members with expertise from the eight focus areas, including students. The Committee shall be led by two PGCPS Board Members who shall act as Chair and Vice-Chair.
• All Ad Hoc members shall live or work in Prince George's County; exceptions can be made to obtain subject matter expertise in one or more of the eight focus areas outside of Prince George's County if desired expertise and geographic constraints require it.
• Members shall be invited by the Chair and Vice-Chair and commit to no less than one year of service.
• The Director of Sustainability and Resilience shall serve as liaison on behalf of the Administration, as approved by the Superintendent.
• The CCAP Ad Hoc Committee shall meet bi-monthly, in February, April, June, August, October, and December, and as a full group or in smaller groups as needed.
• The work of the committee shall be subject to the Open Meetings Act and require Board Office Staff Support.

Committee Charge

• Research and identify policies, requirements, and resources at the County, State, and Federal levels that directly impact the implementation of the plan.
• Serve as a conduit of information from experts at the Municipal, County, State, and Federal levels.
• Increase public and school community engagement in CCAP implementation, particularly with PGCPS students.
• Provide the latest data and information relevant to CCAP implementation.
• Facilitate discussions and information sharing with outside experts focused on barriers and challenges to implementation.
• Make introductions and connections to individuals and organizations that can support and provide resources for successful implementation.
• Receive updates from staff on progress on the CCAP eight priority recommendations.

Not In Scope

The CCAP Ad Hoc Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity only and shall not conflict, in any way, with the responsibilities of the Administration or Board, nor shall they in any way alter the relationships between the Board and external individuals or groups who may wish to meet with or present issues to the Board.

Except as specifically authorized by the Board, advisory committees shall not raise funds nor obligate the Board for the payment of any funds.