BAYARD, NE - The U.S Department of Education has named a panhandle school a green ribbon school for its sustainability efforts.

Bayard Public Schools was nominated for the award by the Nebraska Department of Education.

In a news release, Bayard Public Schools say they have made a variety a partnerships to make the district more efficient in how they use resources.

Most recently, they partnered with Waste Connections to place a large recycling receptacle on school grounds and has started recycling its obsolete electronic equipment.

The school district also has made the switch to LED lighting in classrooms, hallways, offices and several other locations.

The school district also put in sensor based faucets in bathrooms and introduced water-bottle filler stations to reduce water usage and plastic bottle waste.

Bayard Public Schools took steps to improve health and wellness of staff and students - another tenant of earning the award.

Bayard instituted a variety of programs and installed Project Fit America fitness equipment as part of the effort.

“Being recognized as a Green Ribbon School District is the culmination of a decade of work at all levels of our organization," Bayard Superintendent Dr. Travis Miller said. "This recognition is a result of the leadership long-term investments by the Board of Education in efficiency and a healthy learning environment for students."

Across the country, only 55 schools and districts received the award.