FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Skateboarding Out, Helmets In at Schools

The Fountain Valley school board has banned skateboarding on all campuses, saying riders are causing damage and putting themselves in danger of accidents.

At its meeting Thursday night, the Board of Trustees also gave final approval to a policy that requires students to wear helmets when they cycle to and from school. The policy goes into effect Jan. 6.

“We’re giving (parents) time to purchase the helmets for their kids,” said Fern Zahlen Williams, director of student services.

Trustees voted unanimously to ban skateboards, scooters, roller skates, in-line shakes and even snakeboards--two boards with four wheels and hinged together--on school properties.

The riding of bicycles, motorcycles, motor-scooters, tricycles and unicycles are banned on campuses.

Officials said skateboarders are causing damage to school properties as a result of performing tricks on ramps, whipping wheelies on buildings and jumping off and letting the skateboards hit doors.

District Supt. Ruben L. Ingram said the ban is needed not only to protect district property from damage but also to prevent accidents and reduce district liability.

“We’re liable for injuries that take place on school property, and we have to do everything possible to mitigate against injuries and to also minimize liabilities,” he said.

That policy takes effect immediately.

In efforts to inform parents about the new helmet policy, Williams said the district plans to mail letters explaining the regulation. Delaying enforcement of the policy will give time to principals and teachers to educate children on the safety factors of wearing headgear, officials said.

“It’ll be more time for us to say (to students), ‘Yes, it is cool’ ” to wear a helmet, said Marc Ecker, administrative assistant to the superintendent.

District officials and board members praised the policy as a way to reduce and prevent accidents and fatalities among children who ride bicycles.

Helmets cost $20 and up, Williams said. But district officials said they are looking at ways to offer helmets at discounted prices.

The policy is geared to students in grades three through eight who ride their bikes to and from school. The Irvine Unified School District has adopted a similar policy and is enforcing it at schools.

Williams said the Fountain Valley school district’s policy isn’t ironclad. A parent who is unable or unwilling to support the helmet policy can obtain a waiver for a child.