Driven by a statewide deficit and cuts in school funding, local schools look to benefit from some creative recycling efforts. Over 261,000 dollars were distributed to Ione Schools and the Amador Unified School District for reusing and recycling old rubber tires in new ways. A total of 51,766 tires were used for school materials, from mulch to playground chips. “Rubber bark” is being used at Sutter Creek primary schools, Pine Grove Elementary and Pioneer Elementary. Funding for the project was provided through the Tire-derived product grant, a program through the California Integrated Waste Management Board. Neither the good news nor the conservative thinking matched the enthusiasm of the children in the We Are For Kids program when asked to install the rubber tires in their play areas. There is some discussion that the new funds will be used for playground equipment. How the funds will be used specifically has yet to be announced.