Members of Youth4Climate, SanDiego350, Climate Action Campaign, and IBEW 569 gathered on June 17th and urged Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) board members to electrify its infrastructure by 2035. The largest elementary-only school district in California unanimously passed their resolution in support. Student alumni of the district worked with Board Member Tamayo to pass the resolution. Similar resolutions have passed in San Diego Unified School District, Sweetwater Union High School District, and others locally with the leadership of students and community partners. Check out our photos and read more to hear reflections for our students and partners:
“It was my very first time going to a school board meeting and it surprised me in many ways. In the very beginning I wrote down my name on a speaker slip to give a public comment for 3 minutes in support. It was an amazing honor to speak my mind in front of not only the board members but the audience and my peers as well. The resolution brought us closer as a community since we know that the implementation of electrification will prevent further CO2 emissions from harming our planet from climate change, creating a more sustainable future for upcoming generations so that they don’t have to worry more about our environment deteriorating due to fossil fuel emissions. I shared the moment with the many other youth who came to support, and it had a big impact on all of us when the resolution passed. In my eyes it was a truly special moment when we celebrated that I will never forget.” – Valerie P., Youth4Climate volunteer and rising senior at Hilltop High School.
“My generation has contributed the least to climate change yet are expected to face the brunt of its impacts, which is why having local leaders like Board Member Tamayo to make sure that youth voices are heard and represented are incredibly valuable. This resolution is a statement of CVESD’s intent, a promise between CVESD and its students, and while this is a big step, our work does not stop here. Today, we are planting a seed, but we must continue these conversations with the district moving forward.” – Diego S., Youth4Climate volunteer, alumni of Discovery Charter, and 18 year old.
“Our classrooms and schools represent the foundation of the future leaders of our community, and through the transition from fossil-fuel-based technology to a sustainable and green infrastructure, our students, teachers, and staff will be guaranteed safe and sustainable spaces for their development and profession. Through this resolution, we will come closer to achieving the promised clean energy goals our state has set. In addition to fulfilling the mission we have set for our students, it’s also the promise that we will fight for a better and more equitable world for them. This resolution signifies a promise between CVESD and its students: the promise to work to ensure a guaranteed, sustainable future for them, with their well-being and educational development at the center of the district’s work and mission. This resolution is just the beginning of the transition to a sustainable future for youth; the next steps are to follow through on the resolution and fulfill every requirement with the protection of future generations in mind with each step taken.” – Maria E., Youth4Climate Volunteer, alumni of Cook Elementary, and 17 year old.
“As a Board Member of the Chula Vista Elementary School District, I am deeply inspired by the dedication and passion these young leaders have shown in advocating for cleaner, healthier schools. Our students understand that the decisions we make today about energy and the environment will shape the world they inherit tomorrow. This resolution is a testament to what is possible when young people engage their elected officials and demand bold action. I am proud to stand alongside them and encourage every student, family, and community member to make their voice heard, because change happens when we show up.” – Francisco Tamayo, Board Member, Chula Vista Elementary School District.
“This resolution is a win for workers, students, and the broader community. The Project Labor Agreement between the San Diego Building Trades and CVESD will create more opportunities for local San Diego journeymen and apprentices to work close to home, helping provide cleaner air for students, faculty, and staff.” – Cristina Marquez, Journeymen and Environmental Organizer for IBEW Local 569.
“Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and kids are spending several hours a day inside at school. Electrifying Chula Vista Elementary means we can finally cool down classrooms, cut energy waste, and save the district money in the long run.” – Serena Pelka, Senior Policy Advocate at Climate Action Campaign.