Despite being in the community for over 50 years, Ocean Shore School’s K–8 future is still questionable.
According to parent Debbie Enriquez, “I was absolutely blindsided,” she told CBS News Bay Area.
Both of Enriquez’s kids go to Ocean Shore.
“My family and other families have experienced many difficult moments at this institution. Many parents watch out for both their children and my children,” Enriquez remarked.
According to the Pacifica School District, factors like falling enrollment and growing program expenditures have resulted in a structural budget shortfall of $3.5 million. Leaders unveiled a new plan just last week that would effectively close Ocean Shore and move all of the children to Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School or Sunset Ridge Elementary.
“This is it; there hasn’t been any brainstorming. ‘We don’t really care what you think about it.'” In contrast to many districts, they consult the community before closing a school. How will this impact the neighborhood? The supervisor of the school’s acclaimed Oceans411 program, Sheila Gamble-Dorn, told CBS News Bay Area.
“Students in middle school end up becoming instructors. Every class travels to the beach, so do they. “They conduct educational activities both in the classroom and there,” she remarked.
Gamble-Dorn’s commitment to promoting education in the Pacifica community earned her the Thomas Jefferson Award as well. She spent 20 years as a teacher at Ocean Shore. Her grandchild now attends the school where her kids graduated.
Additionally, the Charles A. Becker Foundation contributes $15,000 annually to expand Oceans411’s reach to kids outside of the Ocean Shore neighborhood.
Spencer MacDougall, one of the students, stated that he and his siblings are opposed to leaving the program.
“I gained a lot of knowledge from my friends, who allowed me to work on group projects, particularly Oceans411.” Together with your friends, you can teach younger children what you know. Everyone simply leaves this place with a positive educational experience,” MacDougall stated.
Elizabeth Bredall, the president of the Pacifica School board Board of Trustees, provided this statement after CBS News Bay Area contacted the school board for comment.
In order to maintain our financial stability, our district, like many other California school districts that receive funding from Sacramento, has had to make changes to our budget. California school districts continue to have to do more with less in an attempt to preserve the educational experience for our kids and families because of Sacramento’s lack of funding. That the fifth-largest economy in the world is unable to adequately support public education is a disgrace, and I share those who are unhappy and urge California families to demand greater money from the Legislature and the Governor.”
However, now that everything is at stake, Ocean Shore families are mobilizing by raising their voices.
At Ocean Shore, we’re pulling together and supporting one another while doing what we do best. And we will resolve this,” Enriquez stated.
On Wednesday night, the governing board of the school system will meet. According to Ocean Shore families, a second rally will be held at 4 p.m. across the street from the district meeting.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.