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Paramount Unified outlines multi‑year plan to reunify ninth graders at Paramount High
Summary
District leaders presented a multi‑year plan to reunify ninth graders at Paramount High School, align administrative teams, standardize expectations and expand crossover programs; principals said the transition will be phased in and emphasize consistent communication to families and staff.
District administrators told the Paramount Unified board on April 9 that bringing ninth graders back into a single, unified Paramount High School campus will be a phased, programmatic effort centered on consistent messaging, aligned expectations and expanded entry points for freshmen.
Dr. Nelson, who introduced the presentation, framed the work as part of the district’s strategic priorities and described the high school as "the capstone" of the K–12 program. He said reunification is intended to reduce duplicated messaging across two administrative teams and to ensure students hear one consistent set of expectations as they progress from freshman year through graduation.
"It’s not going to be a dramatic change going into next year, but we are going to start some processes," Dr. Nelson said, noting the plan is a multi‑year project. Principal Ebony Jordan and Principal Salceto described practical steps: expanding crossover activities (visual and performing arts, choir and theater), aligning traffic and safety protocols, establishing shared communications (common website/newsletter/ParentSquare), and hiring instructors in key areas such as strings to create programmatic entry points.
Principals emphasized building on existing collaboration—shared ASB activities, CTE pathways and joint events—to make the transition operationally smoother when it occurs. Jordan said unified administrative messaging should prevent students from having to "relearn" rules and expectations as they move between campuses.
Board members voiced support for the reunification effort but urged patience, clear communication and time for staff and families to adjust. No binding action or vote was taken; the presentation was an informational update and district staff said further steps will be phased and tied to planning and staffing timelines.
Next steps: district staff said they will continue relationship building, communication planning, and staff and parent engagement; accelerated summer math and other targeted programming for incoming freshmen were mentioned as program supports in the transition.
