Community schools gave me that foundation. I used to be nervous to speak up even here. Now I feel like a leader and that is because of community schools in OK. And I'm speaking tonight for every student who didn't get the chance to be here and who deserves to feel seen, supported, connected at their school. Please continue investing in community schools and working with partnerships with organizations like Coco. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Maria Gonzalez. is Maria Gonzalez Orange. Incremental bosses. Collabor. Gracias. for mass particip.
I'm confident that they're so new relative to how we use turf that there's no like definitive report from the state of Massachusetts saying this is good, this is bad. Like I know that, but that doesn't mean that it's not bad. So I kind of want to figure out where do we land on opinion. Just ask them for a memo of opinion if that >> exactly. I I think where we lack the expertise, but we seem to have some jurisdiction over public health relative to something we're going to approve, I would seek their input, both of those entities. Roger, I bet if you were to show us a vendor that you're likely to use, I bet they would have a ton of that information that that you know, it's probably some marketing also, but it would probably help answer some of the questions that have been raised.
Good evening members, distinguished members of the board and uh members of the audience. My name is Maria Gonzalez. I am a community member and parent organizer with the Orange County Congregation Community Organization, OKO. I have been a parent volunteer within the school district for over 12 years. Throughout this time, I have had the privilege of participating in various committees and decision-making spaces. However, over the past three years, I can say that I have seen very significant changes. Being part of OKO has helped me understand and be part of the change and the implementation of the community schools. Today, we have more support for our students in the community and more resources within our school. The voice and leadership of our parents and students have grown and strengthened significantly. Our voices are being heard. More young people and parents are taking on important roles not only at the local level in our districts but also in the state level.
>> And I I want to add that what I'm hearing from the applicant is a real appreciation for being more pro- environmental. And I want to honor all that. And I think it's fabulous that we're having a conversation about doing better than our community has done. Although when the town installed it, we probably did not have as many hybrid options. So I'm not saying anything bad about the town. I'm just commenting that the part of the applicant wanting to do better I very much appreciate to be clear. >> Yeah, I agree. And I think I'm and you know from the beginning I think um I I not this meeting but in other meetings have been very much saying that you know we haven't done this before on the board. >> You know I know it's a a kind of a controversial topic >> you know um that I don't really know that much about.
I would like to sincerely thank the district for its collaboration with OO. Many more parents have had the opportunity to be part of the ALCAP process and community school committees at both the school and district levels for the first time. Thanks to the community schools and our collaboration, families are sitting at the table alongside staff and district leaders, we are finally understanding how decisions are made. Because of this, more parents have been able to learn, become informed, and feel empowered through this process. Being part of this change has expanded the vision of our parents and students. Today we better understand the importance of being involved not only for the benefit of our own children but for the entire student community to ensure that every student receives an inclusive education with real opportunities for growth. Continuing to support the community schools initiative will be key to bringing in more parents, ensuring more voices are heard, and allowing us to build together a more just, more participatory educational system that is truly centered on the well-being of all our students.
So, I'm trying to be educated here um and to try to understand what really are the pros and cons between these different products. So, like like Anna said, I appreciate looking, hey, we're looking at good products here, but it's just trying to understand, you know, what what are the cons like and being being honest about the cons or or if if it's unknown, right? So that we can make an informed decision about that because again, it isn't necessarily exactly about what happens on a private property. It's what happens to those things when they these little pieces of these things come onto the property of the rest of us. You know, that's what I'm trying to I'm trying to understand and it's not my wheelhouse and it's not my area of expertise. So, I'm trying my best to look at the this information and trying to understand it from that perspective.
Thank you for your continual collaboration with OK. Thank you. Our next speaker is Juano Reyes. Gilbert High Schoolade. No soloademices High School, Gilbert High School, Junior High School. Fore consider. Transformers inclus Gracias. >> Good evening board president and respected board members. My name is Huana Reyes and I am the mother and leader of a student at Gilbert High School, an aunt of students at Sycamore Junior High School and Cambridge Academy and a leader with OKO. Today I am here to highlight the importance of continuing to strengthen our schools as true communities of support. When schools have the necessary resources, they become safer, more organized, empathetic, and welcoming spaces for our students and families. We are currently seeing important progress in programs focused on emotional intelligence which are preparing our young people not only academically but also as individuals who are able to face life's challenges with greater balance and responsibility.
And I asked this question right at the beginning because that GCG report asks for the product spec specifications which I don't know if we had this shared with GCG at that time. So um with them not having that actual product and having a storm water management I'm not sure if the exercise has been completed. Um, and that's exactly why I wanted to hear about this option of what are we proposing here because the GCG does ask for specifying the turf product because it's a very generic synthetic turf is what's been noted, >> but if we had a better product, I'm guessing GCG would weigh in and your storm water management plan would also get reflected and probably answer a lot of your questions that you're looking at. We have a manual here in front of us, but I don't think that's accounting for this product.
A clear example of this progress is the wellness centers established at schools such as Savannah High School, Gilbert High School, and Sycamore Junior High School. These spaces represent an important step toward supporting the overall well-being of our students. I would also like to recognize the valuable coordination that has taken place to support our community on important issues such as immigration by providing resources and information during these times of need. Finally, I would like to express my support for the continuation of the restorative justice program. I believe it is fundamental tool for transforming behavior, strengthening relationships and building healthier school communities. It may even be worth considering a name that reflects its purpose in a more positive and accessible way. Thank you for your time, your commitment, and for continuing to work in support of the well-being of students and families. Thank you very much. Thank you.
It's a very generic synthetic turf model. So is that I mean otherwise yeah it's it's like writing it's writing specifications that things have to contain a a maximum of 30% rubber or or 50% rubber or whatever you know it is you know um but but if there's data that shows hey it doesn't really matter how much rubber it is it doesn't do anything to five feet off the site there's no there's no, you know, remnants of that. There's no chemicals, there's no whatever. That's the kind of education we're trying to we're trying to get here. >> So, uh, what I'm what I'm hearing from you is that you're looking for an environmental impact study >> for for synthetic turf. I >> I don't I I don't know that I don't know that any any provider of turf will have uh an environmental impact study uh to provide.
Our next speaker is Sandra Caseres. back to school open house and coffee with the principal. LCAP. Anaheim Yeah. for Connectamil. Sorry. >> Good afternoon everyone. My name is Sandra Casares and I am proud mother in the Anaheim school district. I am a volunteer mother ambassador and a parent leader with OKO. My daughter has currently attend um Magnolia School and my daughters have passed through this district for many years. I believed that being an involved parent meant attending back to school, open house, coffee with the principal. I really thought it was all that we were allowed to do. But I was wrong. When I I got involved with OKO, my whole perspective changed. I realized that as parents, we have much more important role. We have a voice, a voice that matters, a voice that can help shape our schools. One of the ways I learned to use that voice is through LCAP.
Um what I can say is that obviously I I think all of us can recognize the fact that uh a lot of towns certainly ones on the side of Ashland are putting in synthetic turf fields uh because of uh there there are obviously benefits to that as far as usage uh lack of other chemicals that would be bleeding into the system like fertilization uh and so on and so forth. Um, so if you're looking for a specific type of product, what I'm saying to you is that the components that you would have interest in knowing about would be the infill. And I'm saying that the SBA um SBR would be something would be older technology and uh what we're looking for what we're looking to is something that's more environmentally friendly and would be uh more advantageous than what you're currently using. So, >> but if you're asking me for an environmental impact study, I mean, that's something completely um separate from the manufacturer.
And I will be honest, LCAP felt overwhelming at first. My first year I did not understand much but I continued. But everything changed when Oko intervened. Not only did they invite us, they guided us. They took the time to explain things clearly, answered our questions, and without making us feel uncomfortable, and most importantly made us feel belonged. They helped me understand that being an involved parent is not difficult, not intimidating, and definitely not something to fear. Instead, is powerful. Because when parents are informed and supported, we become an asset not just for our children but for our teachers, our staff and the whole community. We also become the voice of those parents who cannot be present either time constraints or even fear due to immigration concerns and that matters. I want to take the moment to recognize the Anaheim School District and with my experience, they have done an incredible job of providing resources, workshops, and supports for families, especially during the immigration challenges that many in our community are currently facing.
That's something dealing specifically with uh water runoff uh on the field. >> So, so >> um so you know, Smart Turf, what you've given us obviously is prolle and everything. Do they not have an EPD or HPD? Because both of those things might provide information that would be beneficial. I can certainly >> I'm sure there's a turf manufacturer out there with an EPD. >> All right. Well, we'll go ahead and and uh I could certainly see if I'd get that information for you. Um I I don't know whether or not they do uh have something like that or not. So the only thing I mean I'm not an expert by any means but I I just kind of started looking at state position on these forever chemicals and I'm assuming we're all in agreement that this stuff has forever chemicals which I think is PFAS, right?
In times of uncertainty and fear, you provided guidance, information, and reassurance to parents. You made sure families understood their rights and they felt supported, and that made a real difference in our community. And that shows something very important. You care. You care about students. You care about families and the community. And these are there are rooms for improvement. Sure, there will always be. I always say to my children, the sky is not the limit. If it were, nobody would have reached the moon. And that is exactly why programs like community schools must continue. Community schools are not just programs. They're bridges. They connect families to schools and resources. They create trust. They create opportunities. They create belonging and I've seen that impact on my own life. Today my oldest daughter is now a mother. Her daughters are starting school and like many parents she feels nervous.
So, it sounds like the like the the smart turf itself doesn't, but I don't it's not it doesn't say it on here, but when I looked on the website, it said that all of their products, I believe, are PFAS free. >> Um, which kind of surprised me, but now we're not talking about the underllayment, which we don't seem to be getting that kind of >> got that kind of >> information, that kind of detail. Like, it's like, oh, no, no one studied it. It's like >> so if the underlying one h like so I guess what you're asking really is specificity if the PFAS is not in that one we're in better shape. All I was going to say is apparently >> in January of this year there's a bill that just got through committee at the state level to ban PFAS in various children's products etc.
But now I can guide her. I can say to her, you have a voice, you have a place and you are welcome. That trust, that knowledge, that empowerment came from this program. So today I respectfully ask that community schools and no continue not just for now but for the future because they are making a difference. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Susanna Ventura. Good evening board president and members of the board and everyone here. My name is Susanna Ventura. I am a community organizer with OKO. It is a pleasure to be here with you along with staff, students, and parents. I am here today to speak about the impact of community schools and the importance of continuing this work. Across many of our shared experiences this evening, one message is clear. Community schools are making a meaningful difference for students, families, and broader community.
And I guess there are uh 28 states that have passed laws to ban PFAS in at least one product. So Massachusetts, I guess, is moving making progress on this and that could change a lot of how um communities approach this. There's also uh 172 public water systems and 96 towns in Massachusetts that have exceeded the state's limits of PFAS, and I'm pretty confident we're one of them. Am I right on that, Jasmine? I think I think we're kind of not in a good place. So, my thought would be let's dig in to whether what we're dealing with here in the underlying layer, if that's also PFIS free, then it's a non-issue for me. But if if it does have it, I'd like a little bit more input from our public health people and concom just a little bit. >> All right. Just so that I'm so I'm clear, could you please let me know what I'd be uh requesting?
Community schools have empowered both students and families by giving them a stronger voice and a more active role in their schools. As you can see, we have students and parents participating today. Sharing their experiences and using their voices. Their being here today shows the confidence and meaningful involvement of parents and students in important decision-making processes. Since the implementation of community schools, I along with many other leaders have witnessed increased engagement among families through intentional relationship building. I respectively ask that you and all who are here to continue investing in community schools to continue to transform the schools into a place where families local community members educators can co-create together to strengthen the students learning and healthy development and to continue in partnership with organizations like OO that stand alongside parents that help guarantee the information is clear, accessible, and truly meaningful for all families. amilies.
You're looking for whether or not it has PFAS. Um and you're also looking for what? An EPD. So, can you define what that second part is? >> An EPD is an environmental product declaration. So, it'll tell you basically pick a product and tell us. >> It'll tell you specifically for this product, everything that's in it, how it impacts the impact of the environment, whether it can be recycled, >> whether it's from recycled material options. >> You also have an HPD, which would be your health product declaration, which would then also that would >> dip into your PAFS and stuff. >> Yeah, makes sense. So, I mean, if they have that, that's an easy way to just here's the information on what the products have in them and >> and then can we ask Concom for input on like how would the water part work? Like I don't know enough about that to understand the water runoff issue like I who do we ask?