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Parent pleads with trustees to keep McKevitt Elementary open; community invited to Barbara Webster centennial
Summary
At the Barbara Webster meeting, a parent urged trustees to stop what she described as steps toward closing McKevitt Elementary, describing students' distress; speakers also invited the public to Barbara Webster's 100th‑year celebration and student trustees highlighted upcoming school events.
An emotional public comment at the Santa Paula Unified Board meeting held at Barbara Webster Elementary asked trustees to halt actions the speaker said were moving the district toward closing McKevitt Elementary.
The speaker, who did not give a name, said recent reductions at McKevitt left many empty classrooms and reassigned students, and described the impact on her daughter after a friend was moved away: "My amazing little girl no longer jumps out of bed in the morning... She is absolutely devastated and gutted." The speaker concluded, "Leave our school alone, please," and signed the comment as "a mother who will not give up this fight." The transcript does not record a direct response from the board during the public‑comment period.
The meeting was held at Barbara Webster Elementary in honor of that school's 100th‑year anniversary. Angela Borrego Chavez, who said she taught at Barbara Webster for 36 years, invited the community to the celebration on Oct. 10 from 5–8 p.m., noting activities for children and a video featuring former teachers. Trustee Tommy Frutos, who identified himself as a district trustee and alumnus, urged alumni and community members to attend and celebrate the school's role in shaping local lives.
Student trustees also reported school events and needs, including a trunk‑or‑treat scheduled for Oct. 27, a jogathon fundraiser and performances and auditions at Santa Paula High School.
The board proceeded to its action items after public comment and adopted several routine and contractual measures; the meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m. The district's next regular board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 22.
