During a recent government meeting, educators from various schools voiced urgent concerns regarding the deteriorating conditions of physical education and athletic facilities within the district. The discussions highlighted significant issues, particularly the lack of air conditioning in gymnasiums and the poor state of grass fields, which have rendered them unsafe and unusable for students and athletes.

Karen Gallegos, a PE teacher at Mount Pleasant High School, emphasized the extreme heat in gymnasiums during warmer months, which not only affects student performance but also poses health risks such as heat exhaustion. She urged the board to prioritize the installation of air conditioning as a critical investment in student safety and well-being.

Michelle Senseri, the PE department chair at Evergreen Valley High School, echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration over the lack of progress since a previous meeting in January. She called for the district to allocate bond money to improve facilities, stressing that temporary solutions are inadequate for the long-term needs of students and athletes.

Lisa Baker, representing both physical education and athletic departments, pointed out that many grass fields are currently unusable due to hazardous conditions. She noted that the absence of air conditioning in indoor facilities exacerbates the challenges faced by students, particularly as school starts earlier in August and hot days become more frequent.

Kanoi Lani Roberts, a teacher and parent, shared her experiences with inadequate facilities, including overcrowded weight rooms and a lack of basic hygiene supplies in locker rooms. She highlighted the need for a safe and functional environment for physical education, which is essential for student health and engagement.

The educators collectively urged the district to take immediate action to address these pressing issues, advocating for the allocation of bond funds to ensure that all students have access to safe and effective learning environments. The meeting underscored a growing consensus among educators that significant improvements are necessary to support the physical education programs and overall student health in the district.