Trustees move to reclaim oversight of facility rentals after adult filming at Canyon Crest Academy

The San Diego Union High School District Board of Trustees voted Dec. 11 to revise its memorandum of understanding with local school foundations, returning primary responsibility for vetting and approving third‑party facility rentals to the district after a production company recently filmed adult‑oriented content at Canyon Crest Academy during school hours.

Superintendent Dr. Stfy introduced the revised MOU, saying the activity “was inconsistent with our community’s expectations” and that “this never should have happened and we must move with urgency and purpose to make sure that it never happens again.” The draft narrows foundation autonomy for non‑school events, centralizes vetting, and establishes written procedures and district oversight for all facility use agreements.

The action followed extensive public comment in which parents and community members described finding unfamiliar adults, sexually explicit props and filming activity in the CCA gym during a weekday. Parent Marcy Strange told the board she and other parents saw “unfamiliar adults entering the gym room during school hours carrying inappropriate … related props” and formally requested visitor logs, contracts and security footage for the December 4–7 rental period under the California Public Records Act.

Board discussion focused on timing and fairness. Staff recommended a split implementation: the facilities provision (section one) could take effect Feb. 1, 2026, while administrative and donor‑opt‑out sections would move to a July 1, 2026 effective date to avoid mid‑year budget disruption for other foundations. Several foundation directors warned that moving all provisions forward without a transition would jeopardize programs funded by rental revenue; one foundation director said his group had roughly $120,000 in rental revenue booked and would face staffing and program reductions if the district assumed all facilities revenue immediately.

Trustee debate repeatedly returned to two tensions: the need for immediate safeguards to protect students and the practical effects accelerated implementation would have on community foundations that support work‑based learning and student internships. Trustee Viscant emphasized partnership and urged the district to support foundations during the transition; Trustee Alman urged stronger policies for commercial film productions, including higher review standards and insurance requirements.

After amendments and a substitute motion, the board approved the MOU as presented with a staggered timeline: the MOU will apply to the Canyon Crest Academy Foundation effective Feb. 1, 2026, and to the remaining school foundations effective July 1, 2026. The motion to approve was made by Trustee Anderson and seconded by Trustee Viscant; the transcript records the motion as passing with one abstention noted.

Superintendent Dr. Stfy said staff will work with foundation leaders on a smooth transition and will draft a separate policy for commercial film productions to codify higher review standards, clearer decision criteria, and enhanced insurance and safety expectations. The board also directed staff to implement stronger written procedures, centralized vetting via the district’s facilities coordinator, and to return with any additional recommended policies.

The board said it would continue to pursue accountability beyond the MOU where warranted, including staff reviews and further outreach to families. The district also acknowledged several public records and statutory references raised by commenters, including Education Code sections cited by parents who requested visitor logs and related documentation.