In 2000, California passed the Healthy Schools Act to give parents and community members access to information about integrated pest management (IPM)—a safer, more thoughtful approach to pest control. The intent then and now is clear: Schools should notify families about pesticide use and work to eliminate or reduce the most harmful chemicals that threaten our children’s health.
Yet, decades later, our work is far from over. Pesticides—some linked to cancer, respiratory issues and learning problems—are still being used on school campuses. This is why Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR) is supporting hyperlocal efforts to improve the ways that pests are dealt with in the Fresno Unified School District.
Our goal is simple but urgent: to significantly reduce pesticide use on school grounds and protect the health of students, staff and nearby communities.
Children should not have to choose between getting an education and breathing clean, safe air. They should not play on fields treated with toxic chemicals or eat lunch next to recently sprayed areas. The science is clear—these pesticides pose serious risks, especially to developing bodies.
We cannot remain silent. We need the voices of students, parents, educators and community members to come together and demand safer practices. That is why we are inviting you to join our upcoming meetings. Together, we can make our schools safer and create campuses where learning thrives without the shadow of harmful pesticides.
Let’s protect our children—because every student deserves a healthy place to learn and grow. To get involved, contact Cristina Gutierrez at cristina@pesticidereform.org or 559-860-3003. We urge the community to take part in this important effort.
