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Parents press Bonita Unified over lack of notice on menstrual-product policy and urge board to oppose AB 495
Summary
Public commenters criticized the district's rollout of AB 230 restroom product stocking and urged transparency, and several speakers urged the board to oppose or challenge AB 495 and related bills; speakers asked for clearer communication and parental notification about policy changes.
Parents and community members used the public-comment period to press the Bonita Unified School District for better communication about state-mandated changes and to urge the board to take a stand on recently proposed state laws.
Daisy Tham, a parent and former educator, said the district implemented AB 230'related requirements to stock menstrual products in some elementary restrooms without notifying families. Tham said parents received routine messages about other policies but were not informed about this change and asked how students will be prepared to process the presence of those products. She urged the district to improve transparency and communication when laws of "this magnitude" are implemented.
Other commenters raised concerns about AB 495 (and referenced AB 84 and AB 727), arguing the bills broaden who may act as a child'caregiver and create parental-rights risks. Danita Beauchamp described perceived legal and safety vulnerabilities and asked the board to renounce AB 495 in advance of potential state enactment. Colonel Pedro Casas and Lily Brenner also addressed related cultural and implementation concerns tied to state bills.
Speakers urged the district to prioritize advance notification of families, clear explanatory materials for students and parents, and robust policies to protect parental rights and student safety. The board acknowledged the comments; district staff did not announce new notification plans during the meeting.
