Board hears detailed plans for gender-inclusive restrooms at Sunnyvale Middle School ahead of SB 760 deadline

District facilities staff and consultants presented design options for all-access and gender-inclusive restrooms as part of the Sunnyvale Middle School modernization project, citing Senate Bill 760 requirements. Facilities staff noted the state requirement that each campus have at least one all-access restroom by July 1, 2026, and QKA’s consultant (identified in the presentation as Aaron) summarized nearly 1,100 survey responses highlighting safety, cleanliness and privacy as core barriers to restroom use.

Aaron outlined a preferred approach used by other districts: individual, fully enclosed stalls (full-height walls and doors) with a shared open sink area to allow supervision, reduce vandalism and provide private spaces for students who need them. He noted modest additional costs for full-height partitions and a few plumbing changes but said those are small relative to larger construction budgets. Staff said Sunnyvale Middle School (SMS), a new-construction project, will be the pilot site and that more detailed designs, placement options and cost estimates will come back to the board.

During public comment, parents and advocates urged the board to make single-occupancy stalls readily available near playgrounds and classrooms so walking time does not create barriers; speakers also requested menstrual products in each stall and private sinks in accessible stalls for menstrual cups. Several parents recounted bullying incidents and argued that improved design would reduce chronic absenteeism and safety risks. Staff responded that menstrual products could be placed in stalls and that student input and targeted meetings with LGBTQ+ and special-education groups would be part of the design process. No vote was taken; staff said they would return with site-specific plans and timeline details.