Buckingham County Public Schools (BCPS) and Prince Edward County Public Schools (PECPS) were two of 30 school divisions to be awarded certifications in the Virginia School Board Association’s (VSBA) 2017 Green Schools Challenge.

According to a press release, BCPS was awarded the Golden Certification, which the release cites means the school division receives 150-174 green points. Schools receive points by implementing new actions and adopting new policies.

“Buckingham continues its strong commitment to being green and protecting the environment,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Cecil Snead.

He said the division has enjoyed these awards on an annual basis for the past few years and feels “fortunate to have earned a gold award.”

“Special thanks goes to our students and staff who put in the time and energy to help us be green,” Snead said.

PECPS received silver certification. According to Jenn Kinne, the PECPS family and community engagement liaison, this was the second year the division had participated in the challenge.

“I am thrilled that (PECPS) received the award,” said Jane Lee, administrative assistant to the superintendent. “As always we are Soaring to Excellence.”

The VSBA Green Schools Challenge was sponsored by Moseley Architects and ABM Education.

VSBA, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training and services.

“The association offers conferences, information, training and counseling designed to meet the needs of the commonwealth’s educational leaders,” officials said in the release.

According to the release, this was the ninth year that awards were given out.