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Board approves phased consolidation of School of Extended Educational Options at Marshall Middle School
Summary
Trustees voted 3–1–1 to allow portions of the district’s School of Extended Educational Options (SAO) to cohabit John Marshall Middle School under a phased plan; staff said homeschool/independent‑study components would move first and sports/programs follow.
Pomona Unified trustees on April 16 approved a staff recommendation to consolidate portions of the School of Extended Educational Options (SAO) onto the John Marshall Middle School campus in a phased move, voting 3 in favor, 1 against and 1 abstention.
Staff described 9.04 as a transitional plan designed to address facility limitations at SAO’s current location. The initial phase would move the SAO “classic” independent‑study and homeschool components (staff cited 233 students in that program; overall SAO enrollment cited by staff at the meeting was 1,192 students across TK–12). Staff said the homeschool/independent‑study population typically meets with teachers on an appointment basis and is not collocated as a full‑time cohort, which staff argued makes Marshall able to accommodate the initial phase. Other SAO programs (including on‑site sports and in‑person programs for middle grades) would phase over in later years while the district plans athletic‑field upgrades and classroom space.
Parents and SAO supporters spoke at the meeting in favor of keeping SAO’s programs in the district; one parent, Angeliano, praised the SAO staff and urged the board to ensure families are notified as the charter‑renewal and consolidation items are reconsidered publicly.
What staff provided: a grade‑by‑grade enrollment breakdown for SAO and a description of how the different SAO subprograms operate (in‑person athletics, homeschool/independent study, vendor programs). Staff and SAO administrators said they would return with a phased implementation plan, facility needs, and scheduling changes so sports and in‑person activities can continue while other elements are moved.
Implementation notes: board members asked for drinking‑fountain and water‑quality upgrades during facility work, and staff said water‑fountain upgrades could be added as part of campus improvements. Trustees also asked that facilities and athletic needs be planned so SAO participants can continue programming without interruption as moves proceed.
Next steps: staff will develop a transition plan, estimate costs for facility and field work, and provide a timeline for the phased moves.
