FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 22, 2026 | Pembroke, Ontario

Twenty RCDSB Schools Join EcoSchools Canada as Seven Earn Certification

Students across Renfrew County are taking action on climate change and building the environmental habits that will last a lifetime.

PEMBROKE, Ontario — Twenty schools across the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) have enrolled with EcoSchools Canada, a national certification program that supports environmental learning and climate action in schools. Seven of those schools have earned official certification this year, a milestone that speaks to the commitment of RCDSB students and staff to protecting the natural world.

EcoSchools Canada is a bilingual program, free to all publicly funded schools, that gives school communities a clear framework for taking environmental action. Schools earn points toward certification by completing work in areas such as energy conservation, waste reduction, composting, caring for school grounds and classroom curriculum connections.

Congratulations to the following schools who earned certifications for the 2025-26 school year:

Killaloe Public School- Platinum

Rockwood Public School- Platinum

Admaston Public School- Gold

Central Public School- Gold

Eganville & District Public School- Gold

Pine View Public School- Gold

Highview Public School- Bronze

“Our students are not waiting for someone else to protect the environment. They are leading the charge in their own hallways, schoolyards and communities, and EcoSchools Canada gives them the platform to make that work visible,” said Kristen Niemi, Chief Executive Officer of RCDSB. 

“Seeing 20 of our schools engaged in this program tells us that a real and lasting commitment to our earth is taking root across Renfrew County.”

This growth in environmental engagement connects directly to the RCDSB Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which places student well-being and belonging, Indigenous Education and future-ready skills at the centre of learning. EcoSchools Canada supports all three strategic priorities by giving students meaningful leadership opportunities, connecting environmental stewardship to Indigenous perspectives on land and community, and building the critical thinking skills students need to address climate change.

“Environmental education is not a one-time Earth Day project. It is a way of thinking we want students to carry with them for life,” said Krista Recoskie, Principal of Innovation and Student Success (K–12). 

“When students see the positive impact of their own efforts, it builds the confidence and commitment to keep going.”

RCDSB looks forward to continuing to support their schools in developing students’ environmental literacy and well-being through participation with EcoSchools Canada.

About the Renfrew County District School Board

The Renfrew County District School Board provides public education to approximately 9,000 students across 21 elementary and 7 secondary schools in Renfrew County, Ontario. 

About EcoSchools Canada

EcoSchools Canada is a national charity and bilingual certification program that nurtures environmental leaders, reduces the ecological impact of schools and builds sustainable school communities. The program is free for all publicly funded schools and is trusted by more than 66,000 teachers, 2,000 schools and 175 boards and districts across Canada. Learn more at ecoschools.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Jay Makwana
Communications Officer
Renfrew County District School Board

(613) 735-0151 ext. 2290
[email protected]