BALTIMORE — Baltimore City Public Schools celebrated the new school year with two ribbon cuttings Tuesday.
Officials celebrated the opening on Graceland Park/O’donnell Heights and Holabird Academy. The schools are City Schools’ first two Net Zero school buildings and will produce as much energy as they use every year.
The buildings produce energy through 1,300 solar panels on the roof. The buildings are estimated to save between $15,000 and $35,000 annually in energy costs
"This building really does mark a significant step in the fulfillment of our promise to students and families in Baltimore. A fulfillment of the commitment to provide our city's children with safe, modern learning environments that they both need and quite frankly deserve,” said Dr. Sonja Santelises Baltimore City Public Schools CEO. “It is an example of our determination to press forward until every student has the tools and the opportunity they need and deserve to be successful."
Both schools have the capacity to serve 600 students in pre-k to 8th grade. They're expected to receive LEED platinum certification.