FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - State education officials are urging schools to compete for a national award that recognizes outstanding efforts in environmental impact and health.

The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award recognizes schools for reducing environmental impact and costs, improving the health of students and staff and teaching sustainability.

Three Kentucky schools won last year. They were Richardsville Elementary in Bowling Green, Georgetown Middle School in Georgetown and Rosa Parks Elementary in Lexington.

The Kentucky Department of Education says schools must send a letter of intent to the department by Feb. 1 to compete for the award.

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