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June 20, 2023
Dear Bosco Tech Families,
I write today to report on an historic step taken by the Don Bosco Technical Institute Board of Trustees on Tuesday, June 13.
As you know, earlier this year Bosco Tech embarked on a study of feasibility on a possible move toward welcoming young women as students of the school. Informed by the Strength and Spirit Strategic Plan, this feasibility study for coeducation was performed by Ian Symmonds and Associates, a market research firm held in the utmost regard by the independent school community around the world. The recommendation of the firm, as well as the results of the study, were overwhelmingly in support of this move for both expansion of our mission as a Salesian institution, and of the future market realities in the Los Angeles area.
After nearly two months of discussion and review of the recommendations of the Symmonds study, as well as financial forecasting and mapping of a potential shift to coeducation, the Board of Trustees voted 12-1 in favor of moving forward with the intent to welcome young women as students of Bosco Tech, no earlier than 2026. This vote directs the Bosco Tech administration to begin updating facilities, assessing faculty/staff capacity, and conducting market testing to move to coeducation. It is important to note that coeducation at Bosco Tech will not occur before the Fall of 2026 - three full school years from now. Additionally, we are committed to exploring various ways to execute coeducation - including partnerships with nearby girls schools or exploring single-gender programs where most effective.
No decision like this can be made without adherence to our mission. When Cardinal McIntyre founded Bosco Tech in 1955, he did so in the spirit that Tech would prepare the young men of the time for what they would encounter in a traditionally male dominated workplace. Our world has changed, now workplaces include women in equivalent roles. There is a shared belief that young women deserve access to our nationally-unique technology and college prep program. In the spirit of our founding mission, this coed decision will provide a quality education for all, and further prepares our young people for the real world.
Throughout this process, we believe the school has moved forward with a great deal of transparency, and in good faith with members of our community, as well as nearby Catholic schools, all-girls schools, and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. A survey of our internal and external community, of whom nearly 1000 members responded, was conducted as part of the feasibility study. We also received correspondence from nearby schools, and met with the leadership of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, to discuss this decision. These contributions, while not always in support of coeducation, further show that the school has been open to comment and took as much information as possible into account before proceeding.
It is also important to note that this decision comes with full support of the Western Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco, who affirm their commitment to the education of all young people, regardless of gender, as they remain active in the governance of coed Salesian High School in Richmond, CA, and coed St. Francis High School in Watsonville, CA.
We understand that the coed decision may raise questions, and may require clarification and discussion. To that end, Bosco Tech President Memo Gutierrez (AU ‘83), Principal Jeff Krynen (BT ‘81), Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Phil Consuegra, and I (DR ‘72) will be available for 30-minute meetings to answer any questions you may have.
Please click on the links to schedule meetings:
From the Bosco Tech Board of Trustees, we thank you for your continued engagement on this topic of importance. We value each and every member of this community, and are grateful for your continued support of Bosco Tech and your trust in its direction.
Most sincerely,
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