WC Wisconsin News

The School District of La Crosse has introduced its Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce environmental impact, improve learning environments, and support future resilience. The announcement was made in a press release on February 17, 2025.

According to the School District of La Crosse, the plan was developed with input from local organizations, including Solar on La Crosse Schools, the City of La Crosse, and sustainability experts from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW-La Crosse). The plan sets both short-term goals for 2030 and long-term goals for 2050. These include reducing energy use, transitioning to renewable energy sources, cutting waste, and integrating sustainability into education.

The Climate Action Plan outlines four primary areas of focus: buildings and energy, transportation, resource management, and quality of life. The district aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and a 50% reduction in landfill waste. Progress will be tracked annually with updates every five years to reflect technological advancements, funding opportunities, and community input.

Engel said that "our school district has a long-standing commitment to environmentally friendly practices and environmental education." He added that "For decades our administrative policies have stated our commitment to energy efficient strategies and we have consistently pursued opportunities in this area. Examples of our work in this area are exemplified by the installation of energy efficient boilers, geothermal heating and cooling, and the addition of solar panels at a number of schools." 

The School District of La Crosse serves a population of approximately 80,000 people across the city of La Crosse and parts of surrounding towns. It offers various educational opportunities including core academics, vocational training, fine arts programs, and bilingual education. The district prioritizes small class sizes through the Student Achievement Guarantee in Education (SAGE) program. Families have access to multiple enrollment options such as full-time public schooling, private choice schools, virtual schools, and summer programs. The district adheres to Wisconsin's academic standards and provides annual accountability reports.