Rays to help elementary school go green

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - Kids at Marlowe Elementary are awaiting the arrival of the folks from the Tampa Bay Rays organization, and practicing their 'go green' chant.

They have to get it just right for the Rays. Leaders with the franchise are coming to Marlowe with $10,000.

The Tampa Bay Rays and the U.S. Green Building Council's Gulf Coast Chapter have partnered with the Pasco County Education Foundation on an environmental education project.

The partnership will be the first of its kind, to green an existing school building. A green school is defined as a school building or facility that creates a healthy environment that is conducive to learning while saving energy, resources and money.

By "Teaming Up for the Environment," the Rays, USGBC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, and Pasco County School District are attempting to create a model partnership project to transform an existing school into a LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Existing Buildings certified, environmentally sustainable school.

"Public-private partnerships in education are essential for building a solid foundation for student success," stated Pasco Superintendent of Schools, Heather Fiorentino.

The kids are excited, too. "I think this is just so cool that the rays took the money to help us become a green school," said one fifth grader.

Plans include installing deviced to limit water waste, replacing 3200 florescent lights with led lights, and planting drought resistant plants outside, too.

The project should take one year.

Rays President Matt Silverman and USGBC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter Executive Director Colleen Mackin will join Pasco County School District officials and the student body of James M. Marlowe Elementary School in announcing this monumental public-private partnership that will transform the operation of the school and benefit the entire community for years to come.

"We are so grateful to the entire Rays organization and the USGBC members for their generosity and continued support of our school system. As valued partners in strengthening our schools, they are making a strategic investment in the future of our community," said Fiorentino.