Calexico Unified leaders highlight districtwide Community Schools program and 4,200+ parent participants

Calexico Unified’s director of community schools told trustees on March 20 that every school in the district now operates as a community school and that the district has seen large parent engagement this year.

Alex Limon, introduced by Superintendent Jimenez, told the board the community schools model takes a ‘‘whole child’’ and family approach, pairing student supports with family engagement, community partners and site‑based steering committees. Limon said every site has an implementation plan and a web page for community‑schools materials, and she listed program responsibilities and deadlines, including progress reports due June 30 and a district progress report due July 30.

The presentation showed site‑level highlights: Cesar Chavez Elementary’s parent participation (480 parents), Dual Elementary’s walk‑in student support center (455 parents), Jefferson Elementary’s focus on health and SEL (880 parents), and smaller sites reporting parental participation from dozens to several hundred. Limon said in total the program logged 4,212 parents participating districtwide this year, and including additional parenting programs the figure is “close to 4,500.” She said student participation counts will be available at the end of the school year.

Trustees and other board members praised the program and asked clarifying questions. Board members asked whether every school has student ambassadors; Limon responded that each site must establish student‑voice structures and that the district will form a district student ambassador group next year. She also described site‑level ‘‘mini FRC’’ supports — washers and dryers for families, morning monitoring and check‑in procedures, and referrals that escalate to district staff for deeper family support.

The presentation emphasized community partnerships — including local food banks and other service providers — and parent trainings the district plans to sustain. Limon said the community schools team holds weekly planning meetings and is preparing wellness‑coach training for staff in the coming year to improve program sustainability.

The board did not take action on the presentation but thanked the team and encouraged continued reporting and community outreach. Superintendent Jimenez said staff would follow the board’s direction to continue the program and post required materials publicly.