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San Juan Unified and Citrus Heights officials highlight joint efforts on enrollment, youth engagement and facilities
Summary
District and city leaders described a Citrus Heights collaborative that has increased outreach, youth civic engagement and coordination on facilities projects; Mayor Mary Jane Lopez Tapp and district staff highlighted early-learning expansion, youth programs and planned campus improvements including Sylvan Middle School modernization expected to enter construction in summer 2027.
San Juan Unified officials and Citrus Heights leaders told the board about an expanding city–district partnership aimed at improving student outcomes, enrollment and civic engagement in Citrus Heights.
"The city and San Juan Unified continue to build a very good partnership centered on communication, collaboration and community connection," Mayor Mary Jane Lopez Tapp said, describing joint efforts such as a youth civic leadership day and a citywide youth survey that drew roughly 800 student responses.
District presenter Bennett Porter outlined practical steps the collaborative has taken: principals' monthly meetings, expanded TK programs and preschool access in several Citrus Heights schools, outreach through a community newsletter, and partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to support CTE and enrichment. Porter said several Citrus Heights schools participated in a class-size reduction pilot and that high schools (Mesa Verde and San Juan) have completed new stadium projects.
On facilities, Porter said design work for Sylvan Middle School's planned modernization — including a new gym, classrooms and parking improvements — is underway and expected to move through the design and Division of the State Architect review phase before construction is likely to begin in summer 2027. He said some fencing and light modernization projects have already been completed at other Citrus Heights campuses.
Board members and the mayor emphasized the partnership's effect on student leadership and community connection: Porter noted the Citrus Heights collaborative has used student engagement events and city–school "2 by 2" meetings to increase coordination and support. The mayor said the new youth advisory commission will open seats to students to continue direct engagement with local government.
The presentation included examples of community-led initiatives — a Kids Commerce Business Expo that awarded student entrepreneurs cash prizes — and highlighted plans to continue aligning elementary electives with high-school CTE pathways. No vote was required: the item was presented as a progress update.
