Guest Opinion | PUSD Parent Advocates: Greening PUSD Schoolyards for a Brighter Future

As parents deeply invested in the well-being and education of our children within the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), we are advocating for bold steps to transform our schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that benefit our students, schools, and communities. The upcoming PUSD bond measure slated for November 2024 presents an opportunity to create and expand these initiatives. We believe it is crucial to adopt language that allows for robust greening efforts in our schoolyards. 

In 2021, PUSD took a promising step forward by passing Resolution 2621, which aimed to enhance outdoor learning opportunities. We applaud this move as a critical stride toward supporting our students’ safety, health, academic success, social-emotional learning, and environmental stewardship. The resolution resolved to “maximize opportunities for students to learn and play outdoors by fostering the design and construction of student-accessible green space on school campuses. These spaces would feature native plants and their use would be integrated into the standards-based curriculum.”

Thanks to the support of Amigos de los Rios, several PUSD schools – including Mary W. Jackson Elementary, San Rafael Elementary, Willard Elementary, Octavia E. Butler Middle, and John Muir High – have already implemented greening projects yielding fantastic results. As a result of greening Jackson Elementary’s playground – adding trees, pervious surfaces, and a garden – students and teachers share benefits of $128,404 each year, mostly from the ability of newly planted trees to mitigate temperature extremes (reducing health impacts), but also by improved compliance with ADA regulations and fresh foods provided by the school’s new garden. These successes demonstrate the immense potential for positive change within our district.

As parents, we recognize the multiple benefits that green spaces bring to our children’s lives. Studies show that exposure to nature improves academic performance, enhances social skills, reduces stress, and creates a cooler, healthier and safer environment by reducing the urban heat island effect. Green schoolyards promote physical activity, creativity, and fosters a deeper connection with nature, aligning with PUSD’s commitment to providing holistic education.

However, to truly realize the vision of greener schoolyards, we need proactive measures. The language of PUSD’s new bond must be clear in allowing schools the flexibility and resources to implement green initiatives effectively. Our children deserve vibrant, sustainable environments that enhance their educational experiences and well-being. 

We propose the following language to be added to the bond language as allowable facilities projects. Much of this language is already part of the City of Pasadena’s Climate Action Plan.

• Develop, construct, install green and sustainable schoolyards to modernize, enhance, and support 21st century learning environments;

• Develop, construct, or improve outdoor climate resilient solutions with permeable surfaces, stormwater retention systems, bioswales, heat-mitigating surfaces, shade trees, native plants, and other climate appropriate plants;

• Install and improve facilities infrastructure necessary to support carbon-free energy sources,  waste management systems, composting, healthy soil regeneration, and indoor and outdoor water conservation, and recycling and filtration systems;
• Modernize transportation infrastructure by improving and expanding pedestrian and bicycle paths, installing secure bicycle parking, developing electric bicycle stations, and purchasing electric buses. 

We urge the PUSD Board to adopt language in the upcoming bond that reflects the position the board took in 2021 when they passed Resolution 2621, that will not only benefit students but also contribute to the ecological health and resilience of our communities.

Other districts like LAUSD have embraced similar policies, partnering with organizations like The Trust for Public Land (TPL) to develop guidelines and support schools in greening projects. By leveraging successful models and community partnerships, PUSD can maximize the impact of greening efforts across all schools.

The passage of a new bond is an opportunity to invest in our children’s future while promoting sustainability and environmental literacy. It’s about more than just beautifying school grounds; it’s about creating engaging, inspiring learning environments that foster growth and well-being.

We are ready to work alongside the district, leveraging community support and expertise to ensure that a new bond reflects our shared commitment to the holistic development of our students. Let’s seize this moment to transform PUSD into a leader in education and sustainability.

Together, we can make a lasting difference for our children, schools, and community. Let’s prioritize the new bond and advocate for a greener, healthier future for all.

Please join us in prioritizing green schoolyards and green initiatives with the next PUSD Bond by showing up at this Thursday 4/25/24 PUSD Board meeting Board Room #236, 351 S. Hudson Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. In-person public comment starts at 6 p.m. or email your written public comment to publiccomment@pusd.us

Cassandra and Garo Manjikian, Sierra Madre Elementary Parents
Annie Pai, Sierra Madre Elementary Parent
Wes and Kristin Reutimann, San Rafael Elementary Parents
Anu Athanikar, San Rafael Elementary & John Muir HS Parent
Levi Brewster, Aveson School of Leaders Parent
Michelle Matthews, Sierra Madre Elementary Parent
Kellee and Paul Backstrom, Longfellow Elementary Parent
Christy Zamani, Willard Elementary
Kera and David Saenz de Maturana, Octavia E Butler Magnet Middle School Parents