Residents urge SFUSD to bar new schools on Treasure Island over contamination concerns
Loading...
Summary
Multiple public commenters told the board that Treasure Island remains contaminated from past Navy activity and urged rejection of additional charters or schools until independent testing proves safety.
During public comment, doctors and community activists asked the San Francisco Unified School District to halt plans for new schools or charters on Treasure Island until independent environmental testing confirms safety.
Dr. Nathan Gordon, who identified himself as a board‑certified family medicine physician, said "It's no secret that the navy contaminated Treasure Island with nuclear radiation for decades" and urged a precautionary approach, including independent testing and a moratorium on building schools until results are transparent. Steve Zeltzer of United Public Workers for Action said families and workers have suffered illnesses they attribute to contamination and specifically asked the board to reject any additional charters on Treasure Island.
Commenters cited media reporting and a pending lawsuit by families as context for their plea. The board received the comments during the non‑agendized public comment period; no immediate board action or staff response was recorded during that segment beyond thanks for the testimony.
The speakers requested that the district prioritize children's safety and ensure any site proposed for schools is independently vetted before students are placed there.
