Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Wellness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Student urges free water access at Redondo Union High School, citing broken fountains and equity concerns
Summary
A senior told the board that drinking fountains at Redondo Union High School are unreliable and students must pay for bottled water; she urged free access to water and suggested a vending solution tied to student IDs while asking the district to explore funding and repairs.
A senior at Redondo Union High School told the board Jan. 14 that students who opt for milk or juice at snack or lunch face a choice when it comes to water: fountains are unreliable and bottled water comes at a cost.
"The option for water is not free," said Addison Ivara, who testified that some fountains barely work and that students often get only a sip and cannot carry it to class or PE. She said charging for bottled water can create inequality for students who cannot afford the extra cost or who have dietary restrictions (lactose intolerance or diabetes). Ivara urged the district to provide free water access and suggested a vending-machine system that allows one free bottle per student per day via student ID scan as a stopgap.
Superintendent Dr Wesley acknowledged the concern in public comment and said she will work with district staff (Dr Alper/Dr Alurn referenced in the packet) to look into water access and fountain quality at the high school.
Why it matters: Hydration is linked to student health and concentration; unequal access to free water can raise equity and health concerns for students participating in athletics and day-to-day instruction.
Next steps: Superintendent's office said it will investigate water-fountain conditions and follow up with the board; board members thanked the student for bringing the issue forward and encouraged administrative follow-up.
