New School Likely to Not Be Fundamental
The school board has indicated that it probably will reverse its decision designating Wallace R. Davis Elementary School as a so-called fundamental school that stresses back-to-basics themes.
During a discussion session last week, Santa Ana Unified School District trustees heard from almost 20 angry parents opposed the fundamental designation because they fear it would exclude bilingual education. The vast majority of people who live in the school’s surrounding area are Latino, officials said.
Parents told the trustees that they believe bilingual classes are the best way for children to learn English and preserve their native Spanish.
“A bilingual person has a lot of opportunities,” speaker Juana Madrigal told the school board.
The board is expected to vote next week, but a majority of members indicated during last week’s discussion that they support reversing the December decision designating the school as fundamental.
Many district parents have lobbied for more fundamental schools, which have long waiting lists. The district has six other fundamental schools.
Davis, which will occupy the former district headquarters on French Street, is now undergoing renovations and is expected to open in the fall.
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