Atascadero leads county in environmental education programs
One Cool Earth reports highest access across San Luis Obispo County
– Atascadero Unified School District offers more environmental education programs per school than any other district in San Luis Obispo County, according to local nonprofit One Cool Earth.
While many districts with higher-need student populations receive fewer than two environmental education programs per school — with some averaging fewer than one — Atascadero Unified School District averages 3.9 programs per school. This figure is more than double or quadruple the programming seen in other districts, One Cool Earth reports.
Superintendent Tom Butler and district staff have worked with local environmental education providers to integrate learning into the regular school day. Their efforts aim to ensure all students, including those from underserved populations, benefit from hands-on, place-based learning.
The district has created a campus sustainability policy that includes environmental education and holds regular meetings with providers. Leaders also support provider outreach at principal meetings, assist with grant writing, provide direct funding for programs, coordinate through the curriculum director, and recognize progress and accomplishments publicly.
One Cool Earth says that this district-wide support, combined with collaborative planning and professional development, has positioned Atascadero Unified School District as a model for how leadership and coordination can expand the reach and quality of environmental education, even as other districts in the county continue to face unequal access.
