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The Santa Monica-Malibu PTA (SMMPTA) Council has officially released its comprehensive study on synthetic turf. For those of us advocating for a healthier SMMUSD, this report is a major formal validation of our concerns. It provides a clear roadmap for the District, shifting the conversation to when they will schedule the dialogue our community deserves.
The Report Highlights Safety Concerns
The study identifies specific concerns regarding student well-being and environmental health. Most notably, District data from Will Rogers and Samohi confirms that on a mild 82°F day, our turf hits 111°F—making it significantly hotter than the asphalt blacktop. Beyond heat, the report notes risks involving chemical exposure and microplastic runoff, particularly for our youngest learners.
Key Recommendations for the District
Based on these observations, the SMMPTA Council has issued several formal recommendations to the School Board:
Re-evaluate Elementary School Sites: The report recommends a thorough re-evaluation of installations at elementary school sites and Pre-K centers, identifying these as the priority areas to minimize risk by potentially migrating to natural surfaces.
Prioritize Community Input: The report explicitly recommends that the Board hold dedicated public sessions to hear from the families and experts they serve BEFORE new turf projects proceed.
OUR PUSH: Transparency is a Duty, Not a Burden
The District has suggested that no decisions are "imminent," yet they continue to move forward with installations in play areas without the "meaningful dialogue" the PTA report encourages.
We must remind the Board that our input is not an inconvenience—it is a vital part of democracy and their duty as elected officials. Following the leadership of LAUSD and the City of Santa Monica, it is time for SMMUSD to listen to the recommendations of its own parents and the PTA.
Take Action Today:
Email the Board: Use our Action Guide to request a Special Turf Forum this Spring.
Read the Findings: Review the full SMMPTA study here.
Forward this Email: Help us grow our voice by sharing this with three fellow parents.
Our collective voice changed the City's policy. Now, let's ensure our schools provide that same standard of safety and transparency.
Onward!
-The Pro Green Space Working Group & Coalition for Resilient Santa Monica
Join Our Community Effort
This is a community-powered movement, and your voice is critical. Here are two simple ways you can get involved right now:
1. Stay Informed: The best way to help is to stay up-to-date. Subscribe to our newsletter below here for key updates, new research, and simple, high-impact ways to make your voice heard.
2. Share Your Voice: Take our 3-minute community survey. We need to hear your experiences with our local parks and fields. Your input gives us the data we need to show our leaders what the community really wants