As parents and concerned citizens of Hesperia, we are witnessing a worrisome situation where our children are being unfairly subjected to harmful overexposure to smoke and ashes, a direct consequence of the prevalent fires. The deterioration in air quality is not just a passing concern, it poses significant health risk to our students and school staff members. Overexposure to toxic pollutants can potentially trigger acute conditions such as asthma attacks, and in the long-term, potentially even cause lung cancer. We have been told, however, that if we opt to keep our children at home in these conditions, we risk receiving truancy letters unless excused for health related reasons. Our children are afraid of falling behind on class work and would rather not be absent.

We have reached out to the Hesperia Unified School District and the Superintendent, expressing our concerns and urging for temporary school closures opting for temporary online learning during visibly heavy smoke days. Yet, our pleas seem to be falling on deaf ears. Our children and school staff’s health and safety must be a primary concern for the district, not an afterthought. Our students and staff members have the right to learn and work in an environment that doesn't jeopardize their wellbeing. It is not reasonable or sensible to require attendance under risky conditions.

According to Mojave Air Quality Reports for Hesperia there has been significant fluctuations within moderate ranges of air quality within the last few days which may significantly impact sensitive groups. Fluctuations in concentrations of Particulate Matter 2.5 have variably ranged from 1.2-5x higher than the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline value. In one article written by IQAir Staff Writers, “Hesperia is just one of the cities impacted by poor air quality due to the nearby Bridge Fire smoke.”

According to the EPA “smoke from wildfires in the United States is adversely affecting air quality and potentially putting more people at risk from smoke exposure.” The CDC website states that “it is important for everyone to reduce their exposure to smoke. Wildfire smoke irritates your eyes, nose, throat and lungs. It can make it hard to breathe and make you cough or wheeze. Children and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or who are pregnant need to be especially careful about breathing wildfire smoke.” CDC.gov/wildfires/risk-factors/index.html also highlights some key points: “Wildfire smoke can reach far away from where fires burn. Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but some people have a higher risk of getting sick. Be ready to protect yourself against smoke and ash before during and after a wildfire.”

Several students have complained of ash falling on them at school. Several students walk to and from school daily. Many students walk to wait at bus stops then ride the bus to and from school with windows opened daily. There are parents who walk with their children to school which may be causing overexposure to harmful pollutants in the air related to the nearby Los Angeles and San Bernardino County fires. 

Thus, we urge for a change in policy that mandates school closures during periods of moderate to poor air quality due to fires. By doing so, we can ensure we are prioritizing the health and future of our students and staff members over other concerns. So, we kindly ask for your support on the behalf of the students and staff of Hesperia. Please sign this petition to help us drive this much-needed change. Let's ensure that our children and Hesperia Unified School Staff can learn, grow, work & teach in a safe and healthy environment.

Only 1 tag was permitted for the Decision Maker- School Board Members but this extends to all HUSD Board Members. Particularly the decision makers in governance: Maria Gomez, Board President; Mark Dundon, Board Vice President; Cody Gregg, Board Member; Christian Steen, Board Clerk; Eric Swanson, Board Member; David Olney, Superintendent.