PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release - April 8, 2025
Contact:
Grace Medrano, (213) 503-0883, grecia.medrano@lausd.net
Los Angeles Unified Passes Resolution to Establish April 22 as Earth Day
New resolution designates April 22 as Earth Day to promote sustainability.
Los Angeles, CA – In a decision to advance sustainability efforts, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education unanimously passed Resolution 064-24/25, Earth Day 2025 Strengthening Climate Resilience and Sustainability in LAUSD. The District highlighted the importance of participating in the Earth Month 2025 Campaign and promotes attending LASAN’s Earth Day LA celebration on April 26 at Norman O. Houston Park reaffirming its commitment to clean energy, green schoolyards, and climate-resilient learning environments for all students.
“From the increasing impacts of extreme heat to worsening air quality, our students face the frontlines of the climate crisis,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. “This resolution is a call to action to empower youth with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to build a sustainable and resilient future.”
“This Earth Day, Los Angeles Unified proudly reaffirms its steadfast commitment to building a climate-resilient and sustainable future for our students and communities,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “Through innovation, education, and bold action, we are not only preparing our schools to meet the challenges of climate change—we are empowering them to lead the way toward a greener, healthier Los Angeles for generations to come.”
“After the tremendous impacts our communities faced earlier this year, we are very fortunate that our school communities will have the opportunity at LASAN’s Earth Day LA 2025 and all Earth Month long to learn about and raise awareness about the importance of climate resilience,” said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson.
“As a member of the Greening Schools and Climate Resilience Committee, I am a champion for the District’s sustainability efforts. On Earth Day and every day, we must protect our planet and all of its natural resources,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill. “I encourage my Board District 1 community to celebrate Earth Day at Palms Middle School and Norman O. Houston Park on Saturday, April 26, 2025.”
“This year’s devastating wildfires have underscored the urgent need to confront the climate crisis and continue our push to become the most sustainable urban school district nationwide. As the current Federal administration works to dismantle climate change protections, it’s up to leaders at the state and local level to educate, empower, and invest in a greener future for our students,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin.
“Earth Day is a day for us to reflect on our relationship with the environment and how we can take steps to support sustainability at the individual and societal level,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “At Los Angeles Unified our part is to continue to support campus greening projects, electrification of our bus fleets, responsible water use, and promote environmental awareness in our classrooms – together we can protect our planet for the future generations of students to come”.
“Climate resilience and the greening of our campuses are critical priorities for me and for our school district,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “This Earth Day, I encourage all our school communities to raise awareness about the ongoing climate crisis and be part of critical actions to make our schools and neighborhoods more sustainable and environmentally just.”
“Caring for our planet means caring for one another,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. “By cultivating environmental education in our schools, we help our scholars understand the importance of protecting the world around them. We also uplift families by providing opportunities to learn and take meaningful action. Together, we can grow a more loving and sustainable world for all!”
By recognizing and participating in Earth Day activities, Los Angeles Unified reaffirms its commitment to the health, joy, and learning success of all students and equitable climate education, aligning with the 2022-26 Strategic Plan.
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