A new measure formalizing school districts' responsibilities for keeping bathrooms clean and in good working order has been signed into law.
CTA-backed AB 1124 by Assembly Member Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) does not provide new funding for schools, but it does make it clear that districts must use existing maintenance appropriations to keep restrooms clean and workable.
"School districts often save those monies for a rainy day while children can't even walk into the restrooms," says Assembly Member Nunez. He told reporters that the measure will increase districts' accountability to the public for maintaining their restrooms.
In attendance at the news conference, where the bill's signing was announced, were Sacramento City Teachers Association President Marcie Launey and representatives of the California Parent-Teacher Association, the California School Employees Association and the California Federation of Teachers.
CTA backed the measure because its members believe public officials must take all necessary corrective actions to ensure that every public school in California has restroom facilities that are clean, fully operational, and fully stocked with toilet paper, soap, and paper towels or hand dryers. Unsanitary restrooms pose a serious threat to the health of students and teachers alike.
Len Feldman
Editor's note: The Legislature adjourned on Sept. 12 and is scheduled to begin its next regular session in January 2004.