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Principals present SIPSAs; 21 students honored for top CAASPP scores
Summary
At the Gilroy Unified board meeting, school leaders from Los Animas Elementary, Mount Madonna Continuation High and GEKA reviewed school improvement plans and results; the board recognized 21 students who achieved top CAASPP scores. Presenters emphasized attendance, targeted ELD supports and career pathways.
The Gilroy Unified School District board heard school-level SIPSA presentations Tuesday night from Las Animas Elementary, Mount Madonna Continuation High School and the Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy (GEKA), and recognized 21 students who earned top scores on statewide CAASPP assessments.
A presenter for Las Animas Elementary told the board the school enrolls about 800 students, with 36% eligible for free or reduced-price meals and roughly 25% English learners (about 200 students). The presenter said 46% of students are unduplicated, 93 students have individualized education programs and 15 students were unhoused. She highlighted reductions in chronic absenteeism and year-over-year gains on CAASPP: ELA increased from about 42% (2023) to 54%, and math improved from 41% to about 53%. The school is prioritizing designated and integrated ELD, literacy facilitation, small-group instruction and PBIS to narrow subgroup gaps.
A Mount Madonna presenter described that continuation campus as “tiny but mighty,” noting a recent enrollment high of 192 in 2023, a student population more than 75% eligible for free and reduced-price meals and ongoing chronic absenteeism challenges despite a reported 83% attendance rate last year. The presenter said the school is investing in newcomer supports, counseling through partners such as Effective School Solutions (ESS), a newcomers’ group for fourth and fifth graders and career pathways including Metro Ed and Gavilan College concurrent enrollment opportunities.
Anna Benich, principal of Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy, reported GEKA’s enrollment rose to 303 students this year and that the school continues to serve students traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Benich said nearly all GEKA students met or exceeded ELA standards on CAASPP; the school’s AP pass rate rose to 77% from 52% the prior year, with notable gains in AP U.S. History (to 91%). She described GEKA’s non-negotiable instructional practices — culturally responsive pedagogy, cooperative learning and vertical alignment — and outlined plans for field trips, college visits and continuation of programs that support students earning college credit alongside a high school diploma.
Board President Pace and trustees asked presenters about parent engagement, counseling uptake and how career pathways such as Metro Ed are being marketed; presenters described in-person ELAC and parent engagement work and said transportation and caregiving obligations remain barriers to some students’ participation in offsite CTE programs.
The board recognized 21 students districtwide who earned the highest possible scores on CAASPP tests, with certificates and photo opportunities coordinated by Melanie Corona, the district’s public information officer.
The meeting produced no formal action on any of the SIPSA presentations; trustees asked for follow-up details on attendance strategies, service uptake and plans to expand CTE access.
The board recessed for a short break before resuming the regular meeting.
