Community,

For over a year, we have asked the SMMUSD School Board for one simple thing: Meaningful Dialogue. Instead, we’ve been given a bureaucratic runaround that treats parent concerns like a nuisance rather than a priority.

The District’s Standard Operating Procedure is clear:

One year ago, when we first stood up to protect our green spaces, they told us we were “too late.” They claimed the plans were already finalized.  Now they’re telling us we’re “too early.” They claim a decision won't be made until 2027 and that we should essentially stop asking questions and go home until next year.

If we're always "too early" or "too late," it means they never intend to let us in at all. We are done being told that "now" is never the right time to have this conversation. If the Board refuses to give our community a voice in the room, then we have no choice but to put one of our own in the room.

We are proud to announce that Harry Leshner is running for the SMMUSD School Board!

From the Podium to the Boardroom
You have likely seen Harry at the podium over the last year. He has been a critical voice of this movement at School Board meetings and city committees, refusing to let the District manage us into silence.

While Harry has a comprehensive platform for his campaign, protecting our school green spaces is one of his core pillars. After 15 years of education volunteering and a career in organizational leadership, he knows how to cut through bureaucratic delays and deliver actual results. He is running to ensure we have a Board member who actually prioritizes student safety and environmental transparency.

Don’t Wait for 2027. Act in 2026.
The Board is betting that by 2027, you’ll be tired of the fight. They are hoping our momentum will fizzle out so they can eventually tell us it’s "too late" again.

Let’s prove them wrong at the ballot box.

How you can help today:

• Visit the Campaign Site: Head over to LeshnerforSMMUSD.com to see Harry’s full platform.
• Fuel the Grassroots Movement: Sign up to volunteer, host a lawn sign, or join the mailing list. Spreading the word to your neighbors and friends is vital—our collective strength grows every time a new voice joins us. If you are able, please also consider chipping in; even a $5 donation is a meaningful investment in our community’s voice. Grassroots campaigns are built on these small, shared efforts, and every contribution helps us stay competitive against the status quo.
• Stay Vocal: Continue to show up to meetings. They want us to wait until 2027—we’re bringing the conversation to them right now.

If they won't let us speak at the table, we'll take a seat at it.

In solidarity,

The No Plastic Grass Team