Board votes to support declaration opposing Detroit Reservoir drawdown plan

The North San Diego School District board voted to support a declarant statement describing anticipated operational impacts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ planned drawdown of the Detroit Reservoir in fall 2026. The superintendent (S11) said city and county attorneys asked the district to provide a declaration that outlines how the drawdown would affect operations; he said he had read the draft and was comfortable signing on behalf of the district if the board supported it.

Board members clarified the district would not join as a litigant or take on financial responsibility; the action is limited to declaring the district’s expected impacts for the plaintiffs’ case. One board member asked for wording changes to replace colloquial terms (for example, changing "porta potty" to "portable toilet") in the declaration. After discussion a motion to support the declaration passed on a voice vote.

Superintendent said the district’s prior letter to the Army Corps had been well received and that coordination with city and county officials continues. Directors emphasized the declaration is meant to document likely operational disruptions to schools and students rather than seek district compensation or to commit funds.