Los Angeles Unified school board approves greening initiative

Los Angeles Unified is pushing forward efforts to provide more green spaces across its campuses, as schools continue to feel the impact of recent heat waves. Dozens of community members spoke in favor of the resolution at Tuesday’s board meeting, some pointing to the high temperatures asphalt has reached during hot periods of the year. 

The resolution, introduced by board president Kelly Gonez, aims for 30% of school campuses to be covered in green space by 2035. Currently 16% of schools in the district meet that recommendation made by LAUSD’s greening program. Schools like El Sereno Elementary and Vanalden Elementary, for example, have less than 5% green space at their school sites, alongside many others across the district.

“We need a cohesive system-wide plan to urgently drive greening efforts throughout our district, starting with our most impacted schools,” Gonez said at the board meeting.

The superintendent has 150 days to put together a plan to reach this goal to invest in more green spaces. Schools with the least access and evaluated as most affected by extreme heat according the district’s Greening Index will be prioritized first. The Greening Index was put together by LAUSD to identify levels of need. 

The district will also work to identify funding for the projects by way of bonds, the general fund and grants.