"Obesity is a problem. The health of our students is a top priority for me."
Oct. 1, 2014 Oscar de Ia Torre

"As an advocate for whole child, child-centered, 21st century education, I believe that the physical body of students needs to be included in their education along with their brain. Let's be really clear, allowing children to be physically engaged as they learn is a crucial structure that teachers should often use in their teaching. 'Exercise' is far more than running laps, it also includes the ability of children to utilize their tactile and kinesthetic capabilities, even in core academic subjects. Of course, this extends too to the athletic fields, the auditorium or cafetorium, and the playground. There are tons of research that shows the huge positive benefits of exercise on brain health as well as tons of research that shows the deleterious impact of unbridled focus on narrow 'academic' pursuits. Including the whole child, body and brain, in teaching is essential."
Oct. 1, 2014 Craig Foster

"The SMMUSD complies with state requirements for student exercise. However, our district should do whatever it can to encourage, promote and create greater avenues for increased student exercise. We should find means to instill in our students the value of exercise as children and throughout their lives. We should also find ways to make exercise fun and enjoyable.

In an era in which child obesity and Type 2 diabetes have reached unacceptable levels, education about exercise and health as well as opportunities and encouragement of exercise are more important than ever. Our district should partner with the cities of Santa Monica and Malibu, and non-profit and other entities that provide athletic and exercise programs to ensure that we enhance the available opportunities for young people in our cities.

I support working with the cities of Santa Monica and Malibu to improve SMMUSD and city recreational facilities and programming available for students and other residents. In partnership, we should replace and improve decrepit athletic facilities at Samohi, install a rubberized track and turf the Lincoln Middle School field, and make other facilities improvements. Joint programs that encourage walking and biking to school offer complementary means of increasing exercise among students."
Oct. 2001 Laurie Lieberman

"Physical fitness and good nutrition are keys to creating healthy bodies and healthy minds – minds that are ready to learn. As we are a center for education, raising the profile of physical education and nutrition should begin in Pre-K and continue through the senior year of high school."
Oct. 1, 2014 Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein