César Chávez School Renaming
Session Summaries
Community listening sessions and committee meetings
May 2026
Staff Listening Session
During the Chavez staff listening session, educators shared a vision of a school rooted in belonging, opportunity, and community pride. Staff spoke about being inspired by teachers in their own lives, wanting to “pay it forward,” and helping students believe in themselves regardless of obstacles or poverty. Key themes included creating a safe place where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to grow; fostering empathy, perseverance, and global citizenship; and honoring bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural identity. Participants also emphasized the trust families place in schools and the importance of community pride connected to La Colonia. Suggested names included Dolores Huerta, Juanita, Eagles Academy, and Spanish-language names that reflect inclusivity and the idea of “un mundo donde caben muchos mundos” — a world where many worlds fit. This conversation will add to the values that are used by the Community Advisory Committee to research and recommend names to the superintendent.
Student Listening Session
During the Chavez student listening session, students described their school as positive, caring, welcoming, and strongly connected to biliteracy and community. Students emphasized that a great school is one where teachers help, protect, and genuinely care about students, making them feel safe, supported, and included. They shared that belonging, having someone to talk to, and learning to use their voice are essential before students can fully learn and succeed. Students valued opportunities for fun, creativity, and choice through art projects, outdoor activities, cultural celebrations, and time with friends. Biliteracy, learning two languages, and preparing for future life goals were recurring themes, along with the importance of responsibility, communication, and real-life skills. Suggested names reflected positivity, safety, school pride, and bilingual identity, including Academia Águilas, Estrella Elementary, Soaring Eagles, Juanita Eagles, and Jose M. Hernandez Elementary, which students connected to inspiration, perseverance, and reaching for the stars. This conversation will add to the values that are used by the Community Advisory Committee to research and recommend names to the superintendent.
First Community Advisory Committee Meeting
At its first meeting, the Community Advisory Committee for the Chavez school renaming process came together to learn about the purpose, expectations, and timeline for selecting a new school name. Facilitated by Equity Praxis Group, committee members reviewed the District’s decision to rename Cesar Chavez Academy of Literacy, Communication Arts and Technology and discussed the committee’s advisory role in recommending 3–5 potential names to the Superintendent and Board of Education. Members participated in relationship-building activities, shared why education and the committee’s work matter to them, and established communication agreements focused on curiosity, balance, respect, and inclusion. The committee also reviewed the District’s naming guidelines, including criteria related to educational values, academy identity, geographic and cultural significance, and community input. Finally, members will research and investigate potential school names and prepare presentations for the next meeting, while continuing to encourage community participation in the renaming survey and upcoming listening sessions.