SJCOE Named a 2025 California Green Ribbon School

The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) has been named a 2025 California Green Ribbon School County Office of Education Sustainability Honoree. News of the distinction came from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond in a recent announcement that 29 schools, seven school districts, and three county offices of education received 2025 California Green Ribbon Schools recognition. All organizations were honored during a statewide ceremony held today at the San Mateo County Office of Education.

“The San Joaquin County Office of Education is committed to reducing our environmental impact and cost of operations, while prioritizing the health and wellbeing of our students and staff,” said San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Troy Brown. “The SJCOE is equally committed to advancing environmental literacy in our region by providing impactful educational programs and building strong networks of students, educators, and community partners who share in this goal.”

The SJCOE received “gold” status as a 2025 California Green Ribbon School, after earning “silver” status in both 2023 and 2024. Status is determined by progress across three pillars: environmental impact reduction, health and wellness, and environmental education. 

The SJCOE’s integrated approach, regional partnerships, and ongoing community engagement earned its increasing status each year. In addition to implementing efficiency upgrades to reduce energy consumption, such as solar panels to support much of its annual energy use and EV charging stations, the SJCOE’s programs contributed to diverting waste from landfills through recycling and improving student mental health and wellness across the county. The SJCOE also expanded its staff health and wellness events to include nature journaling, fitness challenges, and wellness days.

Through its Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center in Manteca and Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center in Placer County, the SJCOE helps 10,000 students annually to explore and discover their environment. The SJCOE also hosts environmental literacy networks for students, educators, and community partners to promote civic and environmental action, and leads a statewide grant for the California Regional Environmental Education Community Network.

Photos of the SJCOE being honored at today’s event can be found at bit.ly/4cTtx8x. Read more about the CA Green Ribbon Schools program at www.cde.ca.gov/ls/fa/sf/greenribbonprog.asp.