PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release - February 11, 2024
Contact:
Grace Medrano, (213) 503-0883, grecia.medrano@lausd.net
LAUSD Strengthens Greening Initiatives by Expanding Support for Non-Profit Partnerships
New resolution removes financial hurdles, empowering community organizations to transform schoolyards into greener, healthier learning environments.
Los Angeles, CA – In a decision to advance sustainability, climate resilience, and equity, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education unanimously passed Resolution 038-24/25, Strengthening Greening Initiatives through Community Partnerships. The resolution removes financial barriers for non-profit organizations leading greening projects on LAUSD campuses, reinforcing the District’s commitment to environmental sustainability and student well-being.
LAUSD District 2 Board Vice President and co-author Dr. Rocío Rivas emphasized the resolution’s role in climate justice, “Too many of our schools, particularly in historically underserved communities, lack adequate green space. By reducing these financial barriers, we are ensuring that all students—regardless of their background—can learn, play, and thrive in healthy, sustainable environments.”
LAUSD District 3 Board President and co-author Scott Schmerelson highlighted the role green spaces have on students, “By prioritizing streamlining we demonstrate our commitment to ensuring our students can access the outdoor learning environments and gardens and ensure that we will continue building the sense of pride in our neighborhood and community schools.
The resolution acknowledges the long-standing contributions of non-profit organizations in transforming schoolyards into vibrant green spaces. Over the past five years, these partnerships have secured over $57 million in grant funding to plant trees and implement sustainability projects at 52 LAUSD schools. However, many organizations have faced significant financial hurdles due to internal fees imposed by the District—often consuming 10-20% of total project costs.
Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said, “Los Angeles Unified is committed to providing green spaces for our students and school communities. Not only do green spaces reduce the impact of heat on school campuses, they foster social and emotional wellbeing and make our buildings more resilient to natural disasters.”
LAUSD District 1 Board Member Sherlett Newbill expressed the importance of the resolution’s role in strengthening community partnerships, “Recognizing the District’s commitment to collaboration with community partners in our greening efforts, it is vital that we do all we can to eliminate barriers as we strive to strengthen and expand these partnerships.”
LAUSD District 4 Board Member Nick Melvoin highlighted the long-term impact of the resolution, “I’m proud to co-sponsor this resolution to foster more partnership support and funding so that we can more efficiently and urgently address the need for more green space in our schools.”
LAUSD District 5 Board Member Karla Griego emphasized the resolution’s role in addressing the need for climate resilient infrastructure, “Now more than ever we must eliminate obstacles to working with those most affected and those with the most knowledge about how climate change is impacting our most vulnerable communities.”
Under the new policy, LAUSD will remove internal fees and mitigate costs imposed on non-profit-led school greening projects. The District will allocate up to $3 million in District resources, including eligible bond funds, to cover costs such as project fees, design reviews, inspections, and required retrofits. The resolution also directs the District to present a comprehensive plan within 60 days, outlining strategies to facilitate third-party greening projects and enhance collaboration with community partners.
LAUSD District 6 Board Member Kelly Gonez praised the collaboration between LAUSD and non-profits,
“Our greening partners are essential in the urgent work to reach the 30% green space standard by 2035, as outlined in my Green Schools For All resolution.”
LAUSD District 7 Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said, "I am deeply grateful for the support of our nonprofit partners in securing grants to bring more greening spaces to our schools. These collaborations are essential in transforming our campuses into healthier, more sustainable environments that improve our outdoor learning environments while also fostering climate resilience. Investing in greening spaces provides our scholars beautiful spaces and resources to thrive."
By prioritizing sustainable school environments, LAUSD reaffirms its dedication to the health, joy, and learning success of all students. This initiative aligns with the District’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan and builds on previous resolutions promoting climate literacy, equitable green space expansion, and 100% clean energy transitions.
