Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Students and parents urge district to fix gym scheduling after rentals limit school practice time
Summary
Multiple Peninsula High basketball players and parents told the school board that outside renters received priority gym time this season, leaving school teams with reduced practice windows; the superintendent said staff is working to ensure school programs have balanced, fair access under board policy and the Civic Center Act.
Student athletes and parents pressed the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District board on Sept. 25, saying outside renters have been given priority access to school gyms and have limited practice time for school teams.
"A non‑school‑related basketball program has been given priority access to both gyms, leaving our teams with limited practice time," said Peter Laauo, who identified himself as a player for the Peninsula High basketball team. He said the pattern has recurred for years and that district policy gives school‑related activities priority for facility use.
Several speakers — including a parent who represents the Peninsula basketball program and a varsity player — described scheduling that they said forced team practices into late hours that conflict with parent work schedules and the players' safety. "This is unacceptable and directly deprives our kids of valuable gym time," parent Leilani Hojad said.
Superintendent Dr. Serrano told the board that staff are adhering to board policy 1330 and the Civic Center Act, which prioritize school activities, but acknowledged that coordinating use during high‑demand periods is challenging. "Our staff is actively working to resolve the situation and ensure fair balanced access for all programs including our athletics," Dr. Serrano said.
Board members and staff asked site leaders to continue outreach to affected families and pledged additional communications to players and coaches. Dr. Serrano and school principals said they would follow up with families and publish updated schedules as soon as possible.
Why it matters: Student teams say lost practice time affects competitive readiness and safety when practices are pushed to late hours. The district signaled it will prioritize school programs while balancing community rentals — a persistent issue in many districts that rely on rental revenue but must also protect instructional priorities.
What happens next: Superintendent Dr. Serrano said staff will finalize adjustments and communicate with families and coaches shortly; board members encouraged site principals to escalate unresolved scheduling conflicts to the district operations team.
Attribution: Quotes and attributions come from speakers who identified themselves during public comment: player Peter Laauo, parent Leilani Hojad, player Sampre Lopez, parent Bashar Kamar, and Superintendent Dr. Serrano.
