As a concerned parent in Walteria, Torrance, CA, I am deeply troubled by the decision to move our youngest students - the kindergarteners - to portables located behind the 2nd grade wing on campus. Our youngest students require special attention and designated areas within the school based on their age requirements. The current solution is not best for these needs.

The use of portable classrooms has been a subject of debate among educators and parents alike. Portable classrooms were introduced to schools as an inexpensive, temporary solution to classroom overcrowding. However, portable classrooms have become a permanent fixture on school campuses.

According to CA.gov, In recent years, concerns have risen among teachers, parents, and the public regarding potential health risks at schools, especially associated with portable classrooms. The concerns have focused on immediate health complaints such as eye irritation, allergies, asthma, headache, and fatigue, as well as the carcinogenic, neurologic, and other risks of chronic exposures to air toxics, such as formaldehyde, lead, and pesticides. Chemical contaminants and biological agents, along with other indoor environmental problems in the classroom, have frequently been the focus of attention. (https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/california-portable-classrooms-study

Furthermore, moving kindergarten classes away from the main building could potentially lead to issues, including no access to a bathroom during class, noise from other classes recess times, more intermingling with older students, even safety on a walk to the nurses office.

Title 5 Regualtions for Kindergarten Facilites states that "Restrooms are self-contained within the classroom or within the kindergarten complex." (https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/fa/sf/kindergartenstandard.asp

Facilities are a reflection of a school’s investment in the students and its staff. Kids deserve permanent, purposefully designed structures for learning.

We urge our local school board and administrators in Walteria to reconsider this decision. We need better solutions that prioritize our children's education environment while ensuring their safety and well-being at all times. Let's work together for an alternative solution that truly serves our young learners' best interests.

Please sign this petition if you believe that we should find better solutions for kindergarten classes instead of moving them into portables behind other grade wings on campus.

This petition will be presented to the district at the next school board meeting on 5/6/24 in preparation for the board to make a vote.

**UPDATE**

- The school district board met on 5/6. The proposal of a paid preschool at Walteria for January 2025 was presented to the board. 

- Multiple parents spoke in opposition to this and were supported by about 20 other attendees. 

- As of now the board is reviewing all information and will meet again on this topic.