Families in the San Diego Unified School District are challenging a proposal to eliminate middle school grades at several K-8 schools. The plan, which affects four schools south of Interstate 8, has prompted significant pushback from parents who value the stability and learning environment of the K-8 model.
Key Takeaways
- San Diego Unified School District is considering the removal of grades 6-8 from Audubon, Bethune, Fulton, and Golden Hill K-8 schools.
- Parents, particularly from Bethune School, argue the change would disrupt their children's academic and social stability.
- District officials cite concerns over low academic performance and graduation rates as the reason for the proposal.
- Following strong community opposition, the superintendent has indicated a potential reconsideration of the plan for Bethune School.
District Proposes Reorganization of K-8 Schools
The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) recently informed families of a plan that would significantly alter the structure of four K-8 schools. The proposal involves eliminating grades six, seven, and eight from Audubon, Bethune, Fulton, and Golden Hill schools.
According to a letter sent to families, students from Audubon, Bethune, and Fulton would be rerouted to Bell Middle School. Students from Golden Hill would have the option to attend Roosevelt, Dana, or Correia Middle School for their middle school years.
Background on the K-8 Model
The K-8 school model combines elementary and middle school grades in a single institution. Proponents of this model often argue that it provides a more stable and supportive environment for young adolescents, avoiding the potentially difficult transition to a larger, separate middle school.
The announcement surprised many parents and teachers, who felt the decision was made without adequate community input. The plan is now scheduled for further discussion within the district.
Parents Voice Strong Opposition to Changes
Families at the affected schools, especially Bethune K-8, have organized to oppose the district's plan. They argue that the K-8 structure is a primary reason they chose these schools for their children.
Tommy Trassari, who has two daughters at Bethune, expressed his disappointment with the district's communication. "We basically got an email saying that the school might be removing the middle school, which is clearly disappointing to our family, our community, as a parent," he said.
"I believe the community, the school board, should have said, 'hey, let’s have a meeting, let’s sit down with all the parents, let’s sit down with the teachers, and see what is going on and see your thoughts before we just present this to you,'" Trassari added.
His wife, Nadine Trassari, emphasized the importance of stability for their children's development. "I put my kids in a K-8 for a very good reason. We love our kids, we want stability for our kids, we want to see our kids thrive, and Bethune is going to do that for my children," she stated.
Affected Schools and Proposed Changes
- Audubon, Bethune, and Fulton K-8: Students would be moved to Bell Middle School for grades 6-8.
- Golden Hill K-8: Students would be given the option to attend Roosevelt, Dana, or Correia Middle School.
Superintendent Explains Rationale for Proposal
In response to the community's concerns, Superintendent Fabiola Bagula, Ph.D., explained the reasoning behind the proposed changes. According to Bagula, the conversation began two years ago when principals from three of the four schools approached her.
The principals reportedly raised concerns about low academic performance and graduation rates among students in the K-8 configuration. These issues prompted the district to explore whether a traditional middle school environment could offer more specialized resources and support to better prepare students for high school.
"We're going to be talking and sharing the data and the findings that we have, the concerns, but also the offerings that we can leverage at middle schools," Bagula said in an interview. The district plans to present this data during upcoming meetings to provide context for the proposal.
Alumni Support and Potential Reversal
The pushback is not limited to current parents. Alumni have also stepped forward to defend their former schools. Arilyn Denoso, a Bethune alumna currently in her fourth year at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), credits her success to the foundation she received at the school.
"They’re always proud to hear of my accomplishments because they really wanted to set me up for those accomplishments," Denoso said, speaking about her former teachers. For her, advocating for Bethune is about preserving the supportive community that helped her succeed.
The combined pressure from parents, teachers, and alumni appears to be having an effect. Superintendent Bagula has acknowledged the strong community response and indicated that the district may reconsider the proposed cuts, particularly at Bethune School.
The future of the middle school programs at these four K-8 schools remains uncertain. The upcoming district discussions will be critical in determining whether the proposal moves forward or is modified in response to the community's vocal opposition.
