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Education

Old Boynton Beach School Hopes 'Green' Design Wins Gold Star

edline.net

One of Palm Beach County's oldest public schools is hoping to become one of Florida's greenest.

 
For nearly two years, construction has been underway for the new Galaxy Elementary School in Boynton Beach.  Its students and teachers have been housed temporarily in an old, unused elementary school in Delray Beach.
 
But next August, school officials say Galaxy's 400 students will return to a school powered by solar and wind energy and insulated by a garden roof.
 
One side of the school will sit on a nature preserve, enabling the students to move their science lessons outdoors.   
 
"They'll be able to perform experiments out there about the indigenous plants and animals and bring their research back to the classrooms," says Galaxy principal Edmund Capitano.
 
 
The old Galaxy school was 54 years old.  The new school is aiming for a federal "Platinum" environmental rating from the U. S. Green Building Council.  Galaxy would be the first in Florida to receive the coveted green status.  
 
The green makeover cost will cost about $29 million, most of which is being paid for by the Palm Beach County school district.

Christine DiMattei is WLRN's Morning Edition anchor and also reports on Arts & Culture.
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