Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
(a) A School Gardens Program is established within the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. The School Gardens Program shall:
(1) Coordinate the efforts of community organizations, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the District Department of the Environment, the District of Columbia Public Schools, the Department of General Services, the Public Charter School Board, and the University System of the District of Columbia to establish gardens as integral components of public schools and public charter schools;
(2) Complement the Food Production and Urban Gardens Program, established by § 48-402;
(3) Establish and convene a Garden Advisory Committee, composed of community organizations, District government agencies, and other interested persons;
(4) Collect data on the location and types of gardens in public schools and public charter schools;
(5) Provide technical assistance to public schools and public charter schools;
(6) Coordinate curricula for school gardens and related projects;
(7) Provide training, support, and assistance to gardens in public schools and public charter schools; and
(8) Assist public schools and public charter schools in receiving certification as U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools.
(b) On or before September 30, 2020, and biennially thereafter, the School Gardens Program shall issue a report to the Mayor, the Council, and the Healthy Youth and Schools Commission about the state of school gardens in the District of Columbia, plans for expanding them, and recommendations for improving the program.
(c) The University of the District of Columbia shall assist the School Gardens Program by providing technical expertise, curricula, and soil testing for school gardens.
(d) As permitted by federal law, when tests show that the soil is safe and when produce is handled safely, produce grown in school gardens may be identified and served to students at the school, including in the cafeteria. Produce grown in school gardens may be sold and the proceeds from such sales shall be expended for the benefit of the school garden program at the school where the produce is grown.
(e) School gardens shall include a demonstration compost pile when feasible.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - District of Columbia Code Division VI. Education, Libraries, and Cultural Institutions. § 38-825.03. School Gardens Program. - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/dc/division-vi-education-libraries-and-cultural-institutions/dc-code-sect-38-825-03/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)