Alum Rock Union School District

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School Consolidation

 

Introduction

The Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) is facing a fiscal crisis due to a significant decline in student enrollment and the expiration of temporary COVID relief funds. The district is undergoing the difficult process of consolidating schools to resolve the fiscal crisis. In addition to school consolidations and closures, the District is also substantially reducing staffing levels across the district to help close this budget shortfall. This will ensure that the district meets fiscal solvency requirements set by the California Department of Education and the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) from the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

We understand that school consolidation is unsettling for families and staff, and we are committed to being transparent and keeping you informed throughout this process. This webpage will provide regular updates, important dates, and key information shared with the committee.

Final List of Schools Closing in 2025-2026

On December 2, 2024, the Board of Trustees held a final meeting regarding the closures, consolidations, and redesigns of our schools. The Board made the incredibly difficult decision to close six school sites, consolidate three, and redesign three. This was not a decision made lightly—it followed extensive discussions, considerations, and a heartfelt acknowledgment of the deep impact it would have on all of ARUSD. Below are the schools approved for closure, redesign, and consolidation:

Effective for the 2025-2026 school year:

School Closure, Redesign, or Consolidation Welcoming School
Sylvia Cassell Elementary School - Closure All Students: Attend Aptitud
Horace Cureton Elementary School - Closure All Students: Attend Lyndale
A.J. Dorsa Elementary School - Closure All Students: Attend Hubbard
Donald Meyer Elementary School - Closure All Students: Attend Hubbard
Joseph George Middle School – Closure Students Attend: Sheppard OR Ocala
Renaissance Academy at Fischer (RAF) – school closure and program consolidation with Renaissance Academy at Mathson (RAM) All Students: Attend Renaissance at Mathson
  • RAF will close and will not retain its CDS code. Program will continue at RAM.
If students opt not to continue in Renaissance model, they may attend Ocala
Aptitud Academy – Redesign Grades TK - 5: Continues at Aptitud
Grades 6 - 8: Attend Ocala
Cesar Chavez Early Learning Center – Redesign Ages 0 - Pre-K: Continues at Chavez
Grades TK/K: Attend San Antonio Elementary
Hubbard Media Arts Academy – Redesign Grades TK - 5: Continue at Hubbard
Grades 6 - 8: Attend Ocala
Ben Painter Elementary School – Consolidation All Students: Attend Sheppard (consolidated to include former Painter site)
  • Vietnamese Dual Language Immersion Program and Structured English Immersion Program will continue at Sheppard but will retain their CDS code
  • Grades TK - 2: Continue at former Painter site
  • Grades 3 - 5: Attend Sheppard with adequate separation
  • Alum Rock Educator’s Association retains separate agreements for Painter and Sheppard
Learning in an Urban Community with High Achievement (L.U.C.H.A.) – Consolidation All Students: Attend San Antonio Elementary
  • L.U.C.H.A. Program will continue at San Antonio but will retain their CDS code.

Effective for the 2026-2027 school year:

School Consolidation Welcoming School
Adelante Dual Language Academy (Adelante I) Adelante (At former Renaissance at Fischer Site)
Adelante Dual Language Academy II (Adelante II) Adelante (At former Renaissance at Fischer Site)
 

New Alum Rock Boundary Map for 2025-2026

  • Adelante I and Adelante II are choice schools that anyone in the district can apply to attend and are not shown on the boundary map

Executive Summary on Superintendent's Recommendations from November 4, 2024

ARUSD established a Superintendent’s School Consolidation Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the superintendent and provide meaningful and representative participation from across the district in the process. This committee was comprised of one parent representative from each school, school administrators, labor representatives, community partner programs, and district staff. The committee met for eight separate meetings and engaged in difficult conversations about how the district could best consolidate and close schools. The full committee agreed to recommend 7 school closures to the superintendent.  The committee was unable to reach full agreement on the remaining schools for their full recommendation to the superintendent. Instead the committee identified 13 schools they were considering for the superintendent to develop his recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

Below is information on the superintendent’s recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding the recommended schools for closure.

ARUSD developed the School Consolidation Report and Recommendations to provide detailed information about the process that went into the recommendations. This report includes an executive summary of the process, summaries of meetings held by the consolidation committee, and a detailed description of the superintendent’s recommendations.

English | Spanish | Vietnamese

Alternative Proposal by Trustee Pham

At the November 14, 2024 meeting, an alternative plan regarding school closures was also presented by Trustee Pham. This proposal was discussed further at the November 21, 2024, Board Information Session. This alternative plan includes a mix of consolidations, closures, and redesigns.

Alternative Proposal

Rationale for School Consolidation

The district has been experiencing a steady decline in student enrollment - coupled with the expiration of temporary COVID relief funds the district is experiencing a $20 million budget deficit. Our district funds are currently spread across school facilities that are underutilized; by reallocating our resources, we can better support essential programs that foster academic and personal growth for all our students.

Criteria for Recommendations

The superintendent’s recommendations were guided by specific criteria to ensure thoughtful, equitable outcomes that prioritize the well-being of all ARUSD students. The criteria included an equity analysis to assess impacts across the district, review of enrollment trends, proximity to charter schools, condition of existing facilities, recent renovations, presence of special programs, and total projected cost savings needed to meet fiscal requirements. Additional information on the criteria can be found in the executive summary.

Please note, for a smooth transition, in the 2025-2026 school year, families will have the option to apply to transfer to any other school in the district of their choice, subject to school capacity.

Process and Timeline

The school consolidation process is designed to ensure thorough analysis and community input. We want everyone in our community to understand each step along the way and know when important decisions will be made.

1. Committee Formation (August 2024):

  • The School Consolidation Superintendent’s Advisory Committee was established, including district administrators, labor representatives, and one parent representative from each school. This committee will help guide the process by reviewing critical data and providing thoughtful recommendations.

2. First Committee Meeting (September 18, 2024):

  • During the initial meeting, the committee reviewed the district’s financial challenges, the impact of declining enrollment, and the need for school closures. Members began discussing potential budget solutions and established norms for the committee’s future work.

3. Data Review and Criteria Development (September 24, 25, and October 2, 2024):

4. Prioritization and Final Committee Recommendations (October 8, 9, and 30, 2024):

  • The committee has recommended a total of 13 schools for closure consideration. From this, the superintendent developed a recommendation on closing 7 schools, consolidating 2, and reimagining 1 to present to the Board of Trustees.

  • Announcement to the Community: October 8th and 9th 2024 Meetings

  • Announcement to the Community from Superintendent Cerda: October 31st, 2024 (English | Spanish | Vietnamese)

5. Superintendent’s Recommendations Announcement (November 4, 2024):

  • The Superintendent shared his list of recommended school closures based on recommendations and the data available on Monday, November 4th, 2024 and made his announcement to the community.

  • Announcement to the Community: November 4, 2024 (English | Spanish | Vietnamese)

6. Town Hall Meetings (Districtwide and at School Sites):

  • Following his announcement to the community, the superintendent has been meeting with families and staff at the schools recommended for closure to share the proposed plan and gather feedback.

  • Town Hall meetings will continue to be held for the parents and staff at each of the schools that are recommended for closure. Invitations for these meetings will be sent directly to the school community. For the privacy of our families and staff and for open free expression, media partners are asked to not attend.

7. Public Hearing (November 14, 2024, 5:30 p.m.) and Board Information Meeting (November 21, 2024, 5:30 p.m.):

  • The Superintendent presented his formal recommendations to the ARUSD Board of Education during the public hearing on November 14. 
     
  • At the November 14, 2024 meeting, an alternative plan regarding school closures was also presented by Trustee Pham. This proposal is being evaluated by our staff and was discussed further at the November 21, 2024, Board Information Session. This alternative plan includes a mix of consolidations, closures, and redesigns. The alternative plan being examined involves, in some capacity, the following schools: 
    • Adelante Dual Language Academy I, Adelante Dual Language Academy II, Aptitud Academy at Goss, Chavez Early Learning Center,  Donald J. Meyer Elementary School, Dorsa Elementary School, Horace Cureton Elementary School, Hubbard Media Arts Academy, Joseph George Middle School, Ocala Middle School, Painter Elementary, Renaissance at Fischer, Renaissance at Mathson, San Antonio Elementary School, Sylvia Cassell Elementary School 

8. Board Decision (December 2, 2024, 5:30 p.m.):

9. Additional Information for Schools on Transition (Beginning January 2025):

  • The district is working with affected schools, families, and staff to ensure a smooth transition. Town hall meetings will be held with each impacted school, and the district will provide support for students and staff as they adjust to the changes. Our focus will be on making this transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

  • Staffing and Bargaining Units: ARUSD administrators have been meeting with bargaining units regarding the effects and impacts of school closures, as well as criteria for staff allocations. This process will comply with collective bargaining agreements and Education Codes.

  • Staff Allocation Information: Additional information on staff allocations and school placements will be shared as it becomes available.

Stay Informed

We understand how important your child’s school is to your family, and we are here to support you through this process. Our goal is to be as transparent as possible and to ensure that any changes made ultimately serve the best interests of our students and community.

For questions or additional information, please contact us at inform@arusd.org. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we work together to secure a bright future for ARUSD.

Upcoming Events:

ARUSD will host monthly Community Update Meetings via Zoom to share information about school consolidation and families. Please note, these sessions will be hosted virtually via Zoom. Below are the scheduled dates and times:

  • January 23, 2025 6 PM - Via Zoom
  • February 24, 2025 6 PM - Via Zoom
  • March 20, 2025 6 PM - Via Zoom
  • April 17, 2025 6 PM - Via Zoom
  • May 29, 2025 6 PM - Via Zoom
  • June 18, 2025 6 PM - Via Zoom
  • July 24, 2025 6 PM - Via Zoom

Alum Rock Union School District School Consolidation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Last updated: December 9, 2024

We understand that the school consolidation process raises many questions and concerns for staff, parents, and the community. This FAQ provides detailed answers to frequently asked questions to help clarify the process, its impacts, and what you can expect moving forward. The FAQ will be regularly updated as the process continues and new questions arise.

Notice a question that is not listed on this webpage? Please submit your questions on the ARUSD School Consolidation Questions Google Form. Most frequently asked questions will be addressed on this webpage.

 

Schools

  1. What schools are on the final list of school closures?
    The final list of school closures includes 13 schools that are closing, consolidating, or redesigned. Schools closing in the 2025-2026 school year include: Casselll, Cureton, Dorsa, Meyer, George, and Renaissance at Fischer. Schools redesigned include Aptitud, Cesar Chavez Early Learning Center, and Hubbard. Schools being consolidated include Renaissance at Fischer to Renaissance at Mathson, Painter to Sheppard, and LUCHA to San Antonio. In the 2026-2027 school year, Adelante I and Adelante II will merge together at the Renaissance at Fischer site. Additional information and details on welcoming schools are on the ARUSD School Consolidation Webpage.

  2. When will school closures and consolidation happen?
    August 2025. The majority of school closures and consolidation will take effect for the 2025-26 school year. All students will complete the current school year at their current school and will attend their new school in August of 2025. Adelante I and Adelante II students will continue at their school until August of 2026.

  3. How did schools get chosen to close and consolidate?
    The ARUSD Board of Trustees decided at its May 21, 2024, meeting to close six elementary schools and three middle schools, pending a formal recommendation from the Superintendent. The Superintendent convened a School Closure Advisory Committee to provide recommendations on school closures. This committee provided their recommendations to the Superintendent on October 30, 2024. Superintendent Cerda shared the list of schools on the recommendations to the community on October 31, 2024. On November 4, 2024 Superintendent Cerda introduced his recommendations to the Board based on the extensive process of community engagement and feedback from the advisory committee and equity considerations. On November 14, 2024, Trustee Minh Pham introduced an alternative proposal for school closures. The Board of Trustees voted on December 2, 2024 to close the schools listed above.

  4. If my child’s school is closed, where will they go?
    The full list of closures and welcoming schools are listed on the ARUSD School Consolidation Webpage. For the 2025-2026 school year, impacted families will have the option to apply to transfer to any other school of their choice in the district through an Intra-District Transfer. These transfers will be approved, subject to school capacity.

  5. Where will their teachers and other school staff go?
    ARUSD administrators are meeting with school staff bargaining units regarding the effects and impacts of school closures, as well as criteria for staff allocations. At this moment no placements have been announced and teacher assignments will be decided according to the contractual compliance requirements with collective bargaining agreements and Education Codes.

  6. Will special programs continue if schools are closed or consolidated?
    Yes, specialized programs, including special education and enrichment programs, will continue. If a school housing a specialized program is closed, that program will move to a nearby school where students are reassigned, ensuring uninterrupted access to these services.

  7. Will my child still receive special education services if their school is closed?
    Yes, special education services outlined in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) will continue at their new school. The District is committed to ensuring no disruption in services for special education students.

  8. What will happen to the closed school sites?
    The District will follow a separate process to determine the future use of closed school sites. This process is expected to begin in 2025, and a separate advisory committee will oversee the next steps. No decisions have been made regarding the use of closed school sites but there is interest in retaining sites.

Budget

  1. What caused the District’s fiscal condition to require closures?
    The District faced a $20 million shortfall in the Unrestricted General Fund for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Without significant reductions, the District would have been bankrupt, risking a state takeover and the potential loss of local control.

  2. What is causing the budget shortfall?
    The budget shortfall is largely due to a significant decline in student enrollment. ARUSD has too many schools for the number of students it serves, compounded by a steady loss of students to charter schools, families moving out of the area, and lower birth rates. The district had 16,000 students in the early 2000s, but enrollment has dropped to 7,300 in the 2024-25 school year.

  3. Given the declining enrollment, why weren’t schools closed earlier?
    The District delayed school closures due to the influx of temporary COVID relief funds, which helped offset the financial strain. However, these funds were fully exhausted at the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year. Additionally, the state faces its own financial challenges and has passed some of this burden onto school districts.

 

Programs, Services, and Support

  1. How will students, families, and staff be supported during the transition?
    ARUSD is focused on making this transition as smooth as possible with minimal disruption. We will continue working closely with school site leaders and central office staff to address any concerns and provide access to support services for students and families.

  2. Will my child receive the same programs, services, and support at their new school?
    Yes, students will receive the same or improved programs, services, and support at their new school. The District will maintain its commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities at all schools.

 

School Closure Advisory Committee (SCAC) Process

  1. What was the role of the School Consolidation Advisory Committee (SCAC)?
    The SCAC was responsible for reviewing and analyzing the District’s school sites and making recommendations for which schools should be closed or consolidated. The committee presented its findings to the Superintendent, who made his formal recommendations to the ARUSD Board of Education. The final decision for school closures was always meant to be the ARUSD Board of Turstees’ decision

  2. Who was part of the SCAC?
    The SCAC was composed of one parent from each school site, labor union representatives, community partners, district administrators, and Executive Cabinet members. The Superintendent and Executive Cabinet members served in a support capacity without voting privileges.

  3. Who made the final decision on school closures?
    The final decision on school closures was made by the ARUSD Board of Trustees on December 2, 2024, after considering the SCAC’s report and the Superintendent's recommendations, and the alternate proposal presented on November 14, 2024 the board made the decision to close schools as outlined in the ARUSD School Consolidation Webpage.

  4. What was the expected timeline for the SCAC’s work?

  • September 6, 2024: Committee selected

  • September 18, 2024: Norms, budget presentation

  • September 24, 2024: Demographic and facilities information review

  • September 25, 2024: Program information and HR review

  • October 2, 2024: Criteria development

  • October 8-9, 2024: Prioritization of schools for closure

  • October 30, 2024: Committee recommendations and announcement to staff

  • November 14, 2024: Public hearing (Board Meeting)

  • November 21, 2024: Board information meeting

  • December 2, 2024: Board action and final decision

For Staff

  1. What will happen to teachers and staff at the schools that are closed or consolidated?
    ARUSD administrators are meeting with school staff bargaining units regarding the effects and impacts of school closures, as well as criteria for staff allocations. At this moment no placements have been announced and teacher assignments will be decided through an agreement with the teacher’s union. Similarly other staff placements will be decided with respective agreements with their bargaining units.

For the Community

  1. Why is ARUSD consolidating schools now?
    ARUSD is consolidating schools due to a significant decline in enrollment and the resulting $20 million budget shortfall. The District could not afford to maintain its current number of schools without state funding, and consolidation will allow ARUSD to operate more efficiently while continuing to provide quality education.

  2. How can I stay informed about the school consolidation process?
    You can stay informed through the ARUSD School Consolidation Webpage, which includes regular updates, meeting materials, and a detailed timeline. In addition, ParentSquare will be used to send updates, and town hall meetings and public hearings will offer opportunities for the community to ask questions and provide input.

  3. Is the decision final?
    Yes, the final vote on school closures was taken by the Board of Trustees on December 2, 2024.

  4. What will happen to the closed school sites?
    The District will explore options for repurposing or leasing the closed school sites to generate revenue. Potential uses include educational programs, community services, or leasing the properties to local businesses. This process will involve community input and careful consideration by the ARUSD Board of Trustees.

  5. Staffing Transition:
    ARUSD administrators will meet with staff bargaining units regarding the effects and impacts of school closures, as well as criteria for staff allocations, will occur after the board decision. This process will comply with collective bargaining agreements and Education Codes.

 

For additional questions, please contact us at inform@arusd.org. We are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process and welcome your feedback.