Board of Education to Meet Jan. 28, 2025

The Board of Education is meeting Jan. 28, 2025 at the District office. Closed session is at 5 p.m.; public session is at 6:30 p.m. Visit our site here to read the agenda, submit a public comment, and watch live.

Superintendent Jerry Almendarez Shares Budget Update

Superintendent Jerry Almendarez discusses SAUSD's financial challenges, including the expiration of COVID-19 relief funds and declining enrollment, and highlights the District's proactive approach. Key efforts include expanding student mental health programs, collaborating with staff and unions, and maintaining transparent communication to support informed decisions. Watch the full video here to learn how SAUSD is prioritizing student success while ensuring financial stability.

Why Are Budget Cuts Necessary for School Districts?

As federal pandemic relief funding (ESSER) expires, school districts, including SAUSD, are navigating significant budget challenges:

• End of ESSER Funds: These vital funds expired in 2024, leaving a substantial gap.
• Declining Enrollment: SAUSD has experienced one of the sharpest declines in the region, reducing revenue.
• Staffing Adjustments: With 85% of the budget supporting staff, reductions are necessary to balance funding shortfalls.

Click here to watch the video from the Jan. 8, 2025, Orange County Board of Education meeting to see how SAUSD and other districts are responding.

Video: SAUSD Budget Discussion Series

Gain insight into SAUSD’s finances through our ongoing video series. In Episode 1, Chief Business Official Ron Hacker addresses challenges like declining enrollment and the end of federal pandemic relief funds, while discussing fiscal stabilization plans. In Episode 2, he highlights strategies to manage budget challenges, including minimizing job cuts, pausing management hires, and clarifying misconceptions about leadership salaries. Ron also emphasizes collaboration with staff, parents, and the community through school site councils, LCAP meetings, and more. Click here to watch Episode 1 and click here to watch Episode 2.

Superintendent Almendarez Reaffirms SAUSD’s Support for Students and Families Amid Immigration Enforcement

At SAUSD, our commitment to students and families is unwavering. Our schools are safe havens for everyone, regardless of immigration status. We provide vital resources such as mental health services, legal assistance, and educational opportunities to ensure our campuses remain inclusive and welcoming spaces for learning and growth. Learn more about how SAUSD stands with our community—today, tomorrow, and always. Click here to read and watch a video message from Superintendent Jerry Almendarez.

The State of California Launches Comprehensive Immigration Resource Hub for Families and Organizations

This website, available at https://www.ca.gov/immigration/, provides vital information for families with mixed immigration statuses and for groups such as schools, local governments, and community organizations. The resources aim to clarify public program eligibility, federal immigration policy implications, and more. The site will be regularly updated to ensure resources remain current and helpful as policies evolve. Resources are available in English, Spanish, and other languages to ensure accessibility for diverse communities. Additionally, the California Attorney General’s Office has released updated quick reference guides for school staff, students, and families. These guides, building on previous guidance, offer essential information on educational rights for immigrant students. The complete guides are available in English, Spanish, and additional languages at oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources, with translations in more languages coming soon to further support all families.

Make Your Voice Heard: Join SAUSD’s LCAP Community Input Meetings

SAUSD is hosting Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Community Input Meetings across various campuses to gather valuable feedback from parents and community members on how to better support student success. Recent meetings held on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22, 2025, at Century and Santa Ana High Schools brought together families from schools across the district, including Century, REACH Academy, Lathrop, Davis, Muir, Monroe, Roosevelt-Walker, Kennedy, Madison, Garfield, Edison, Sierra, Santa Ana, Mendez, Pio Pico, Lowell, Martin, Willard, Santiago, Heninger, Heroes, Wilson, Fremont, and Carver. Families shared insights on improving schools and meeting students’ needs, with Board Member Dr. Alfonso Alvarez attending the meeting at Century High School. Click here to see photos from the Century meeting and click here to view photos from the Santa Ana High School meeting. 

Don’t miss your chance to get involved! Contact your child’s school for meeting details, including virtual options. Dinner, childcare, and transportation will be provided to ensure all families can participate. Let’s work together to make every student successful! Click here to learn more about the process.

Share Your Input on SAUSD’s LCAP

SAUSD is committed to supporting every student by using resources effectively. Help shape our Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), which outlines our vision for student success and how the district’s budget supports those goals. Join an LCAP input session by contacting your school, or share your thoughts by taking our survey at https://bit.ly/LCAP-24-25 or scanning the QR code in the image. Click here to learn more about the process. Your voice matters!

AB 469 Reminder: SAUSD Seniors Required To Submit Financial Aid Applications By March 2, 2025

SAUSD seniors have until March 2, 2025 to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), as outlined in AB 469. Completion of a Financial Aid application is necessary in order to qualify for federal student aid such as grants, work study, and loans. Visit our website here for important details on this requirement and resources that may assist with determining how you would like to proceed with the AB 469 requirement for your senior.

SAUSD School of Choice (Open Enrollment) For 2025-26 School Year Runs Through Feb. 28, 2025

Open enrollment for the 2025-26 school year has begun and runs through Feb. 28, 2025. Check ParentSquare for important announcements and visit www.sausd.us/enroll for the enrollment calendar and links.

Free Virtual Doctor Visits for SAUSD Families

Exciting news for SAUSD families! Students now have access to free virtual doctor visits at home through Hazel Health. To get started, simply log into the Aeries parent portal, give permission to share your student's data, and complete Hazel’s consent form. Ensure your student has access to care anytime they need it! Get started today at: getstarted.hazel.co/district/sausd.

Celebrate Our Heartbeat of SAUSD: Nominations Open for 2024-25

SAUSD is excited to continue our "Heartbeat of SAUSD" recognition program. This special honor celebrates the dedicated staff members who embody the spirit, resilience, and commitment that drive our district's success. We are seeking nominees who:

• Have multiple family members working in various roles across SAUSD
• Are proud alumni or have attended SAUSD schools

If you or your family exemplify these values and have a deep connection to our educational community, we want to hear from you! Submit your nomination here. Thank you for helping us recognize the heart and soul of SAUSD!

Plan Ahead with SAUSD's Academic Calendars

The academic calendars for the 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27 school years are now available on our website. Stay informed and plan your school year ahead! Click here to access the calendars!

Flyers: Community Resources and More: Week of Jan. 22-28, 2025

Looking to connect with groups that provide free groceries, diapers, parenting workshops and more? Check out this week's flyer round-up here for details on these and other helpful resources.

Celebrating the "Our Stories Unite Us" Book Release!

On Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, the SAUSD community came together to honor the power of storytelling with Board Vice President Katelyn Brazer Aceves and the FACE Department. This heartfelt event featured inspiring poetry, storytelling, and voices that beautifully captured the spirit of Santa Ana. Special thanks to Board Clerk Valerie Magdaleno and Supt. Jerry Almendarez for supporting this celebration of creativity and connection! Click here to watch a short video.

SAUSD Rewind for Week of Jan. 20-24, 2025

Join us in taking a quick look back at our top headlines of the week. Click here to watch.