Calexico board opens process to consider renaming Cesar Chavez Elementary and reviewing holiday observance

The Calexico Unified School District Board of Education on March 20 directed staff to prepare next steps for renaming Cesar Chavez Elementary and reviewing the district’s observance of the Cesar Chavez holiday following recent allegations about the historical figure.

Board President Avina read a prepared statement saying the board is ‘‘saddened and disappointed by the recent revelations concerning Cesar Chavez’’ and that the district must ‘‘move forward thoughtfully and with integrity.’’ He said the board has formally requested a comprehensive staff report that outlines the renaming process, opportunities for community input and a clear timeline.

Trustees spoke in support of pursuing a careful process. One trustee said when information is validated ‘‘we take the proper measures’’ and stressed the board’s ethical responsibility to students and community values; another urged turning ‘‘a negative into a positive’’ and engaging public input. Trustees noted similar actions in other districts and institutions and referenced guidance the California Department of Education had circulated.

Superintendent Jimenez told the board staff will bring next steps and a timeline at the next board meeting. Trustees discussed the importance of research, community engagement and alignment with legal guidance; one trustee said images and names are already being removed in some places and that the California Legislature has moved a renaming measure to the governor’s desk.

No formal renaming vote was taken; the board’s direction to staff was procedural: prepare a public process and timeline for possible renaming and holiday review. The district emphasized it will follow state guidance and seek community input before any final action.