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Process & Policy

Cesar Chavez Elementary
School Name Change

Oxnard School District — March 25, 2026

School Naming Process

  1. Board Initiates Process

    • Review policy
    • Decision made to name or rename a school

  2. Gather Community Input

    • Open survey for name suggestions
    • Collect input from students, staff, parents, and community

  3. Identify Core Values

    • Gather and define values the school name should reflect

  1. Form Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC)

    • Diverse group representing stakeholders
    • Follows Board Policy

  2. Review All Submissions

    • CAC examines suggested names and rationales

  3. Screen Names

    • Remove names that don’t meet criteria or lack support

  4. Research Remaining Names

    • Investigate history, contributions, and relevance

  5. Present & Discuss Findings

    • CAC members share research and evaluate options

  6. Narrow to Finalists

    • Select top recommended names (typically 3–5)

  1. Submit Recommendations

    • CAC sends final list to Superintendent

  2. Superintendent Reviews

    • Chooses final recommendation

  3. School Board Votes

    • Board makes final decision and approves name

Guiding Principles

Community-Driven

Decision-making is led by and reflects the voices of the Oxnard community.

Equity & Inclusion

The process centers equity, inclusion, and representation at every stage.

Core Values

  • Equality & opportunity
  • Respect for diversity
  • Pride and community
  • Empowerment of students

Timeline Overview

  1. Step 1

    Board initiates process

  2. ~2 weeks

    Community survey opens

  3. 2–3 months

    CAC convenes — multiple meetings

  4. Ongoing

    Research and narrowing of names

  5. After CAC

    Final recommendation submitted to Superintendent

  6. Final step

    Board vote

Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC)

About the CAC

  • Advisory role only The CAC makes recommendations but does not make the final decision.
  • Represents the community Includes parents, students, staff, and local organizations.
  • Ensures multiple perspectives Designed to reflect the diversity and values of the community.

What the CAC Does

  1. Review community-submitted names
  2. Research each name — history, impact, and relevance
  3. Discuss and evaluate options
  4. Select top 3–5 names
  5. Submit recommendations to the Superintendent