Students voice safety, bathroom, and equality concerns at NMUSD Board Meeting

Concerns over school safety, bathroom conditions, and unequal resources took center stage at the Jan. 20, 2026 Newport Mesa Unified School District meeting, where students and families spoke openly about problems they face every day on campus.

One issue dominated the discussion. Bathrooms. Students from multiple schools described restrooms as dirty, graffiti-covered, and often closed during the school day. Kelly Lopez, speaking for Costa Mesa High School, said students across all grade levels agree that bathroom closures regularly make them late to class. One student called the bathrooms “absolutely disgusting,” while others said they spend too much time searching for an open restroom.

School safety was another major concern raised by students.

Screenshot By: Emma-Grace Grueter | January 20, 2026 | Audrey Salomon responds to discussed safety issues

Audrey Salomon, a junior at Newport Harbor High School, said students are aware of “the number of security guards that are on our campus in all hours of the day,” but she warned that open campuses still create risks. She said there are “threats with random people being able to approach students.”

Salomon also noted that frequent emergency drills can interrupt learning, especially for AP students, though she acknowledged they are important. She added that run-down bathrooms and weak Wi-Fi make it harder for students to feel safe and communicate during emergencies.

Students from other campuses shared similar worries. Jeremy Moore from Early College High School questioned the use of security cameras and increased enforcement. Roselyn Ruez from Estancia High School said, “it is quite easy for someone to get on the campus grounds such as the student parking lot as well as the new theater.”

Parents also voiced concerns about inequality between schools.

Screenshot By: Emma-Grace Grueter | January 20, 2026 | Chelsea Coy Waters shares her opinion over funding distribution

Chelsea Coy Waters from College Park said some campuses feel welcoming while others do not. “Separate is never equal,” she said, arguing that resources are not distributed evenly across the district.

Superintendent Wesley Smith responded by saying the district has heard the bathroom complaints “loud and clear” and stressed that students should feel comfortable at school. He said the district will try to make improvements.

Screenshot By: Emma-Grace Grueter | January 20, 2026 | Superintendent Wesley Smith addressing student concerns

Addressing concerns about inequality, Smith pointed to weighted student funding formulas designed to support schools with greater needs. On safety, he said the board has invested in locks, fencing, AI-enhanced cameras, and emergency protocols, while noting that gun violence is a broader issue beyond schools.

The meeting made one thing crystal clear. While the district says it is taking steps forward, students and families are still waiting for quicker and more effective changes in their schools and community.