Parents urge Newport‑Mesa to stop spraying pesticides at Anderson Elementary; superintendent outlines precautions

At the public comment portion of the board meeting, parents Brett Lessman and Jillian Norton urged Newport‑Mesa Unified School District to stop or reduce pesticide and herbicide spraying at Anderson Elementary, saying frequent applications risk student health.

Lessman, who identified himself as a parent and commercial real‑estate broker, said campus grounds had been "routinely being sprayed with both chemical, herbicides, and pesticides" and asked the board to examine both the toxicity of products and the frequency of applications. He referenced district notifications and said a district contact, Lance Bidnick, had agreed to halt spraying until the parties could find a solution.

Norton, also a parent at Anderson, described personal concerns for her child and asked the district to "please consider using safer alternatives for our children." She said their family and others would support alternatives and urged the board to prioritize student safety.

Superintendent Dr. Smith responded that the district's first approach is nontoxic (mulch, mechanical removal) and that the district "doesn't use Roundup or any other glyphosate period and haven't for years." Smith said the district follows EPA guidance, avoids spraying when students are present, and will continue conversations with parents and staff to "provide the safest environment we can." He thanked Lance Bidnick for meeting with community members and said staff would continue to work with parents to identify safer approaches.

The board did not vote or take immediate action; the superintendent described current practices and committed to ongoing dialogue and review with concerned families and staff.