Governance committee moves environmental stewardship policy to full board after JET-related edits

The governance committee endorsed sending a revised environmental stewardship policy (85-52) to the full Fairfax County School Board after agreeing to move JET (Joint Environmental Task Force) background into the policy’s philosophy and to tidy technical sections.

Mr. Frisch summarized the history: the policy incorporates recommendations adopted after the JET process; several members said the JET’s recommendations remain relevant but that the extinct task force’s name could be used as context rather than as a continuing acting body. "The adopted recommendations of the Joint Environmental Task Force (JET), which concluded its work in July 2021," was suggested as phrasing to orient readers without implying an ongoing committee, and members agreed to keep topical sections (carbon neutrality, Green Globes, water management, grounds) while asking staff to consider reorganization for clarity.

After debate, the committee voted to send the revised policy to the full board; the chair recorded a 4–1 vote with Dr. Anderson opposing. Members asked staff to update the summary of changes to note that the policy was substantially revised and to return any formatting cleanups required before the board packet.

Next steps: clerks will standardize the policy's summary and formatting; staff will return any final technical edits and indicate how the policy aligns with division goals, including carbon‑neutrality targets and ongoing CIP considerations.