Anaheim Union High School District’s Consolidation and Innovative New Program

In a bold move to address declining enrollment and financial challenges, the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) has approved a consolidation plan that merges Orangeview Junior High with Western High School, catering to students in grades seven through twelve. This newly combined program is part of a larger trend affecting school districts throughout Orange County, as many grapple with similar issues stemming from decreased student populations and increasing operational costs.

Declining Enrollment and Financial Obstacles

The decision to close Orangeview Junior High comes in light of AUHSD’s distressed financial situation, exacerbated by a staggering loss of approximately 5,500 students since the 2014-15 school year. District forecasts predict an additional decline of around 3,900 students by the 2026-27 academic year. According to the California Department of Education, Orangeview had an enrollment of around 650 students, while Western High School boasts a significantly larger population of 1,660 students. Financial strains are compounded by rising pension costs, special education expenses, and various staffing challenges, all of which have been unsustainably impacting the district’s budget.

Other school districts in Orange County are also feeling the squeeze, leading them to either close schools or explore consolidation options. For instance, the Ocean View School District recently shut down Spring View Middle School, redistributing students to alternative campuses in response to these challenges. Similarly, the Orange Unified School District is considering its own consolidation measures amid a continual decrease in enrollment.

The Shift to a Personalized Education Model

Amid these changes, AUHSD aims to adopt a more personalized and community-focused educational approach with the new combined program. Educators and district staff are dedicated to rethinking traditional schooling practices—fostering an environment that prioritizes student well-being and enhanced learning outcomes. Bindi Crawford, co-principal of the newly formed Orangeview-Western school, highlighted the need for educational reformation during a recent Board of Trustees meeting, demonstrating a commitment to innovation before the program’s initiation on August 6.

The redesign introduces several academic structures, including an eight-period block schedule, an advisory period thrice weekly, and bi-weekly late start days on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This model aims to enhance engagement in students and create a more supportive learning environment.

Schedule Innovations for Enhanced Learning

The revised schedule is designed to optimize classroom interaction, with all students checking in with their teachers every Monday during a dedicated block day. This block system allows students to engage with each of their subjects, fostering relationships across grade levels and subject areas. Sean Fleshman, a history teacher at Orangeview, expressed the value of structured time in connecting with each student. With each class period lasting approximately 35-40 minutes, the model aims to balance diversity in subjects with focused engagement.

Yamila Castro, a Spanish instructor at Western High, elaborated on the advisory system, which is crafted to cultivate intimate learning communities where students can maintain ongoing contact with trusted educators. These advisory groups are structured to meet several times weekly, ensuring each student has well-rounded support academically and emotionally.

The New “Kid Talk” Initiative

A cornerstone of the new program is the “Kid Talk” initiative, inspired by practices at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo. This collaborative discussion format involves teachers, support staff, and administrators meeting bi-monthly to explore individual student needs and strengths. By fostering an environment that encourages shared insights, educators can proactively address students’ challenges before escalating to further intervention levels. Castro emphasized the importance of structured dialogue among teachers, aiming to ensure that every child’s needs are acknowledged and met.

Tuesdays will additionally see scheduled late starts, dedicated not only to “Kid Talk” but also to planning advisory sessions, ensuring cohesive communication channels among staff members. Meanwhile, Thursdays are reserved for staff meetings and departmental collaborations to further cultivate engagement among faculty toward a common goal.

Career Technical Education and Future Aspirations

Recognizing the importance of career readiness, the district is offering opportunities for students to engage in career technical education (CTE) classes starting as early as the eighth grade. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the district’s vision for preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing job market, ensuring they exit the program equipped with practical skills and experience.

AUHSD Superintendent Michael Matsuda has expressed optimism regarding the potential outcomes of the new educational model, emphasizing a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the district. The feedback loop created through this model invites both staff and students to evolve collectively, enriching the educational experience.

Looking Ahead: Continuous Improvement

As the district prepares for the launch of this consolidated school program, the focus remains on continuous progress and improvement. Crawford acknowledged that the first year will set the foundation for future enhancements and progress, with expectations that each subsequent year will showcase further advancements in educational delivery. The goal is for the school to evolve dynamically, responding to the needs of the community and student population.

In addition to this major program change, the district is also planning another significant campus move with the expected closure of Hope School. This facility will transition to the former Orangeview campus in the 2026-27 school year once that location becomes available. Board Trustee Katherine Smith detailed the ongoing discussions around this property, hinting at a forward-looking approach to district planning.

In conclusion, the Anaheim Union High School District is embarking on a critical journey to reinvent its educational landscape through strategic consolidation and innovative structures aimed at enhancing student success. As these changes unfold, the district hopes to inspire other schools facing similar challenges, pioneering a model that emphasizes holistic education and community-driven support.