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District officials highlight building safety upgrades and programs to support underserved students
Summary
The Ontario School District reported physical safety upgrades, expanded access programs for historically underserved students, restorative-practices training, and increased mental-health supports as part of its 2023–24 Integrated Guidance. Administrators said work continues to reduce barriers to graduation and improve attendance.
District officials told the board Jan. 27 that safety, equity and student supports were priorities in the district’s 2023–24 Integrated Guidance.
"Students and staff are safe when they are inside the building," said Jodi Elizondo, director of district improvement initiatives and grants, describing measures that include locking exterior and classroom doors, reconfigurations at Ontario High School and Alameda, installation of ring systems and coordination with law enforcement. Elizondo said the guidance also emphasizes programs for historically underserved students, including Latinos in Action, TAG and CTE certifications, plus staff training to support equitable access.
Elizondo said the district has implemented restorative-practices training and targeted programs at individual schools aimed at improving attendance, behavior and academics, with the stated goal of reducing the dropout rate and increasing graduation. She also described efforts to expand mental-health resources: adoption of a social-emotional learning curriculum, counseling staff in each building and Community Building Circles for students who choose to participate.
The presentation framed the initiatives as a mix of infrastructure changes, program expansion and staff development rather than newly funded large-scale projects. Board members did not request additional action at the meeting beyond continuing implementation and reporting back to the board.
