Grossmont Union High School District

District Planning Updates

Dear GUHSD Community,

Below is an update on the District’s planning following the Governing Board’s actions on May 8. Previous messages on these topics can be found here:

At the heart of the May 8 recommendations was a two-part goal:

Address the District’s long-term fiscal challenges
Reallocate resources toward meeting the evolving needs of our students

Among those evolving needs:

Providing critical educational services and support in key areas
Strengthening our system of student safety and wellness
Supporting enhanced technology literacy

This update focuses on providing critical educational services and support in key areas. A message on strengthening student safety and wellness was shared last week (see May 29 update), and earlier this month, I provided an update on enhancing technology literacy (see May 22 update).

ANCHORED IN GUHSD’S FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS AND PRIORITIES

We remain guided by our foundational belief that the District exists to empower each student to build the best future – for themselves, their families, and the East County community. The initiatives are intentional actions rooted in our core values of caring and innovation, and they reinforce GUHSD’s strategic anchor – outlined in the District’s Team Playbook – of delivering relevant, high-quality educational programs through an equity lens. In this context, equity means providing each student with the support they need to succeed.

This plan is also closely aligned with GUHSD’s:

Local Control and Accountability Plan Goals, particularly those focused on ensuring equitable access to all of the District’s high-quality programs.
Initial Portrait of a Graduate feedback emphasizing the importance of foundational literacy and English language proficiency for all students.
Instructional Priorities, particularly those focused on learner variability and proactively providing the support necessary to meet student learning needs.

STRATEGIC EDUCATIONAL SERVICES INITIATIVES

Special Education Budget: To address rising costs related to residential placements, external agencies, and other services, the June 10 budget proposal includes a one-time $1.8 million expenditure from District reserves. This is a temporary measure to meet student needs next year as the District works to bring costs down – not an ongoing increase to the General Fund.

Special Education Area Coordinators: To maintain vital support for Special Education services at our schools following administrator reductions, the District proposes hiring four District-level Special Education Coordinators to help manage IEP processes and overall program costs.

English Learners: GUHSD serves more than 2,500 English Learners (ELs), about 16% of the student population. ELs are students whose primary language is not English and who require targeted support to achieve English language proficiency. This includes 501 “newcomers” enrolled this year alone – a group that has grown 212% over the past four years. The District has a responsibility to provide appropriate coursework, instructional support, and meaningful family engagement to ensure their success. To meet these needs, the District is proposing staffing additions outlined below.

Attendance: Improving attendance is both an academic and fiscal priority. Planned strategies include expanding Saturday School for instructional time recovery, reestablishing school Attendance Teams led by Assistant Principals and Dropout Prevention Specialists, and forming a District-level team to identify and address root causes of absenteeism.

Access to Programs: The District is taking proactive steps to expand access to its schools, programs, and services An example is the launching of a new Home Choice satellite location – Home Choice South – at Monte Vista High School. Home Choice is designed for students whose families opt for a homeschool-based model due to unique family circumstances, medical considerations, or alternative educational goals. This new location will provide easier access to this personalized instructional model.

Libraries: The May 8 proposal to reduce credentialed librarian positions considered the cost of the service against the need to prioritize other critical areas. The District remains committed to reimagining how school libraries can best support student success. As part of the June 10 budget submission, the District is proposing a revised staffing model that includes placing Library Technicians at five campuses that currently lack one, and establishing a certificated District Librarian position to support these technicians and ensure compliance with state education code. Current teacher librarians have been offered classroom teaching roles, where they will continue to support students through their deep literacy expertise and well-established relationships.

PROPOSED STAFFING BUILD-OUT TO SUPPORT INITIATIVES

Pending collaboration with our bargaining group leadership, the District’s June 10 budget proposal includes the following new roles:

4 Special Education Area Coordinators
1 English Learner Program Specialist
2 English Learner Support Teachers on Special Assignment
1 District Librarian
5 Library Technicians
4 Dropout Prevention Specialists
1 Administrative Assistant – to support both the Director of Extended Curricular Services and the Director of Accountability, State and Federal Programs

WHAT COMES NEXT

These proposals represent a significant investment in the future of GUHSD students and schools. They are aligned with the District’s purpose, goals, and priorities, and will be presented to the Governing Board at the June 10, 2025 meeting.

Pending Board approval, we look forward to the collaboration ahead as we work together to bring these plans to life.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Sincerely,

Sandra Huezo

Superintendent

1100 Murray Drive (PO Box 1043)

El Cajon, CA 92020 (La Mesa CA 91944)

(619) 644-8000

If you require the use of telecommunication relay services, dial 7-1-1 to be connected to a specially trained communications assistant.

Grossmont Union High School District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on age, gender, sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, nationality, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or the perception of one or more of such characteristics. (GUHSD Board Policy 5145.3)
Additional Title IX non-discrimination information
4119.26 BP Employee/Student Interaction Policy
Additional non-discrimination and related policies

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