In the heart of Arizona's Sonoran Desert, a remarkable transformation is underway at the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD). Dr. Gabriel Trujillo, superintendent of the state’s third-largest school district, shared at the K12 Facilities Forum that facilities aren't just buildings; they're powerful examples of a district’s values and commitments to the people who learn and work within them.
"Facilities matter because they communicate what you think, what you feel, and what you believe about the students and staff that you serve," Trujillo said. "Each and every student deserves a high-quality, modernized learning environment.
“At the end of the day, schools are our nation’s only true transformational institution…the relationships that develop in them change lives.”
Sustainability at the Heart of TUSD’s Mission
This district of 40,000 students across 88 schools has embraced sustainability as a core educational and facilities value. That commitment has produced impressive results:
- Arizona's largest producer of solar energy for a Preschool to K-12 institution, with solar arrays at 76 schools generating 47% of the district's power
- $12 million in utility savings redirected to educational resources
- 75 student-led school gardens that produce food for cafeterias and local farmers markets
- Two innovative agrovoltaic gardens using solar arrays to grow food
- 90% of interior and exterior lighting converted to energy-efficient LED
- Reclaimed water systems irrigating over 300 acres of playing fields
Sustainability permeates almost every level of district operations. "We couch everything in a belief system around sustainability—doing things right while also doing the right thing," Trujillo said. "We are stewards of this beautiful desert ecosystem."
A Community Committed to Change
The Tuscon community clearly shares this vision, recently approving a transformative $480 million bond package that will accelerate the district's sustainability goals, including ambitious plans to electrify their entire bus fleet and eliminate natural gas usage in all buildings within the next decade.
More Than Just Buildings
Beyond environmental benefits, these initiatives address crucial equity issues. Modern, well-maintained facilities send powerful messages to students about their worth and potential. As Trujillo said, "A child only understands that his or her school doesn't look as nice as some of the schools on TV."
The lesson from TUSD is clear: When sustainability becomes a core value rather than just a buzzword, it transforms not just buildings but the educational experiences taking place within them. Creating and sustaining top-notch facilities also reminds the entire community that education is a priority and that students and staff are valued.
Watch Dr. Gabriel Trujillo's full talk here...
Comments