THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 22, 2026 Page 3 Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $19 Million to Make Public Schools More Energy Efficient, Lower Costs Green School Works program will create cleaner, healthier learning environments in nine Massachusetts school districts Special to The Advocate B OSTON – Today, the Mass Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) awarded $19 million in grants to help upgrade public school facilities through the second round of the Green School Works program. Funded by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the program aims to make K–12 public school buildings more modern and energy-efficient, lower school district costs, reduce pollution, and create safer, healthier learning environments for students and educators. This round of funding will modernize energy systems in nine school districts across Massachusetts, improving the well-being of 10,000 students. Awards prioritized equity, supporting six districts where more than half of students come from low-income backgrounds. Many of these districts span environmentally burdened communities and Gateway Cities that have long been underserved by building upgrades and infrastructure investment. “Every student deserves a safe, healthy and modern place to learn,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through Green School Works, we’re helping communities upgrade aging school buildings, lower energy costs and create better learning environments for students and educators across Massachusetts. These investments are good for our schools, good for our communities and good for our clean energy future.” “This program is a direct investment in the cities and towns that make Massachusetts strong,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “When we help a school district modernize its energy systems, we’re freeing up resources that go right back into the classroom. This means better materials, better programs, and better experiences for students and families who count on their schools every day.” The second round of Green School Works funding builds on the success of the program’s inaugural round, which awarded over $52 million to 18 schools across the Commonwealth in 2025. Massachusetts has 1,800 public school buildings, many of which rely on aging energy infrastructure that drives up costs and diminishes air quality for students and staff. The Green School Works program helps districts modernize these systems, freeing up resources that can be redirected to teaching and learning. “Clean energy upgrades are good for the environment and good for kids,” said Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Green School Works is how we make that happen—smarter buildings, healthier students, and a cleaner state.” “Schools are at the heart of our communities, and they should reflect our commitment to the health and well-being of every student and educator inside them,” said Mass Clean Energy Center CEO Ben Downing. “These investments don't just upgrade buildings, they signal to students, families, and educators that their environment matters SCHOOLS | SEE PAGE 13 Checking that pays you $20 a month. It’s easy: Open a checking account and each month maintain an average balance of $5,000, make $1,500 in direct deposits, and complete three transactions of any kind.* *New checking account customers only. Memorial Day in Malden 2026 May 25 P lease join the Malden community for a ceremony as we remember and honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation’s freedom on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at Forest Dale Cemetery on Forest Street. Fire Commissioner Emery L. Haskell, Retired U.S. Commander Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, who is also a Bronze Star Recipient for meritorious achievement in Operation Iraqi Freedom, will emcee the ceremony. The ceremony will take place rain or shine. For more information, please email lvlasuk@cityofmalden.org. 50
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