Wayland committee backs intern's plan to save high school composting program

WAYLAND — August 8, 2023 — Wayland's Energy and Climate Committee endorses intern plan to keep high school composting alive. Summer intern Ritika Sinha told the committee Tuesday that a $1,140 refund from Black Earth Compost — which had overcharged the school during a February-to-June pilot — will fund the first third of this year's roughly $3,420 hauling bill, with sustainability manager Abby Schuette pursuing leftover grant funds for the rest. Math teacher Deb Buckman will replace departing English teacher Sarah Snow as program coordinator. Sinha recommended on-site composting at the elementary and middle schools, where equipment runs about $200 per site, and will pitch the School Committee on a permanent budget line. Chair Ellen Tohn cautioned against overextending: "We have money and we have a teacher ready to do this." The committee also voted 5-0 to approve July 11 minutes and will seek a town meeting article extending the Loker School solar PPA from 20 to 25 years.