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Santa Ana board begins process to consider renaming Cesar Chavez school after recent allegations
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Summary
After noting recent allegations reported in national media, the Santa Ana Unified School District said it will begin the administrative and community process to consider renaming the high school that bears Cesar Chavez's name, and trustees agreed to temporarily cover the site's signage while the process proceeds.
Superintendent Lorraine Perez told the board on Tuesday that the district found the allegations against Cesar Chavez "extremely troubling" and that staff would present the steps required to consider a name change for the campus that currently bears his name.
"Later tonight, our board and our team will provide protocols for our board for renaming our campuses, including steps we may take to change the name of our school that bears his name," Superintendent Lorraine Perez said during her opening remarks. She said any change would involve broad community input.
At an informational item, district administrator Mr. Hacker described an administrative regulation the district follows for renaming facilities, highlighted the legal review and community polling used during a prior renaming and said legal counsel is involved early. "Upon the superintendent receiving a formal request, and that could be from the board, it could be from community, then that begins the process," he said.
Trustees moved quickly from process to immediate steps. Trustee (Ms.) Magdaleno placed a formal request on the record to begin the renaming process for the Chavez site and urged staff to cover exterior signage "until a new name is chosen." Several trustees voiced support for a fast but community-centered approach and suggested elevating Latina leaders as possible namesakes.
Board President Bracer Aceves framed the item as part of responding to community concerns and honoring the voices of people who came forward. "We are called to something greater," she said, urging transparency and speed while the district follows its administrative regulation.
The board did not vote on a final name. Superintendent Perez said staff will collect community suggestions via email (lorraine.perez@sausd.us) and will return with an administrative regulation and specific timeline for public input and legal review. Trustee members asked that staff publish clear instructions online so community members who do not attend meetings can submit suggestions.
Next steps: the superintendent will assemble the renaming committee, provide a public way for submissions and report back with proposed administrative regulation language and a recommended timeline.
