Community group asks district to allow on‑campus skateboarding after‑school programs

Representatives from Rob Skate Academy and several Santa Clara High School students spoke during public comment to request district permission to run after‑school skateboarding programs and to ask the board to revisit any rule that prohibits skateboards on campus.

Nathan Stark, general manager of Rob Skate Academy, described the organization as a youth outreach program that teaches mindfulness through skateboarding and said the academy currently partners with 28 schools in nearby districts. Administrative assistant Lily (last name not provided) told trustees the group uses both full‑size and fingerboard parks to develop fine and gross motor skills and cited inclusion efforts and adaptive equipment (a “skate trainer”) to support students with differing ability levels. Student speakers Luke Bettencourt and Mason Conklin described personal benefits—physical activity, social belonging and improved health—and urged the district to provide a healthy “third space” for students as the district implements a phone‑free policy.

Speakers asked that district staff follow up about permitting skateboarding and potential partnerships; the transcript records that staff offered to be contacted and to follow through, but there was no board action on the request during the meeting.