Who To Email (copy & paste):

 lddavis@capousd.org, jcbullockus@capousd.org, gijones@capousd.org, krcastellanos@capousd.org, lzollinger@capousd.org, jadnams@capousd.org, gapritchard@capousd.org, superintendent@capousd.org SJSCHWENKE@capousd.org 

Subject Line Options (for variety):

  • Please Keep Del Obispo Elementary Open

  • Protect Our Neighborhood School

  • Invest in Del Obispo, Not Closure

  • Say No to Closing Del Obispo

Template Email 1:

Dear CUSD Board Members,

I’m writing as a concerned parent and community member to urge you to reconsider the potential closure of Del Obispo Elementary School.

Del Obispo has served San Juan Capistrano families for over 50 years. It is more than just a school, it’s a vital hub for connection, education, and community. The proposed consolidation with Kinoshita deeply concerns many of us.

I respectfully ask the board to take a closer look at:

·         Facility Condition: Del Obispo has a “B” rating with only $643K in critical repairs needed—one of the lowest among all sites being considered.

·         Utilization Rate: Del Obispo’s rate is currently 55%, higher than several other schools including Marblehead and Palisades.

·         Academic Performance: Test scores are rising year-over-year, showing clear improvement and the impact of our dedicated staff.

·         Projected Growth: Our neighborhood is growing, with many young families moving in—data projections may not reflect real-time trends.

·         Signature Programs: Del O offers a wide range of enrichment programs not fully represented in public DAC documents.

Closing Del Obispo feels rushed, and the lack of transparency in the process has left many families feeling unheard. Instead of diverting public resources toward a charter option, we ask you to consider investing in what already works—a thriving public school supported by its community.

Please protect our school. Please listen to your community.

Sincerely,
 [Your Full Name]
 [Your Street or Neighborhood – optional but helpful]
 [Your Child(ren)’s Grade(s) – optional]

Template Email 2:

Dear CUSD Board Members,

My name is [Your Name], and I am a current parent at Del Obispo Elementary, with children in [Your Child(rens) grade(s)]. I am writing to express significant community concern regarding the potential consolidation of our school with Kinoshita.

While we understand the district faces budget challenges, the justification for closing Del Obispo, a community cornerstone for 50 years, requires more than proximity and utilization rates. Reviewing the DAC documents, Facilities Condition Assessments (FCA), and test scores raises questions about the selection process:

1.       Facilities & Utilization: Del Obispo received a "Fair" (B) rating in the 2017 FCA with $3.8M in total deficiencies ($643K Priority 1). This compares favorably to Kinoshita ($4.3M total / $1.4M P1, adjusted for HVAC grant), Marblehead ("C" rating / $7.56M total / $1.7M P1), and Palisades ("D" rating / $12.7M total / $3.3M P1). Furthermore, Del Obispo's current utilization (55%) is higher than Marblehead (40%) and Palisades. While acknowledging future projections, these conflict with the significant influx of young families observed firsthand in the neighborhoods feeding Del Obispo. Given these metrics, why were Del Obispo and Kinoshita identified for consolidation over schools like Marblehead or Palisades with seemingly greater needs and lower utilization?

2.       Academic Performance: Del Obispo consistently outperforms Kinoshita, Marblehead, and Clarence Lobo on the California School Dashboard and Great Schools metrics. In 2023-24, Del Obispo saw growth, with 51.9% meeting/exceeding ELA standards (+4%) and 41.4% in Math (+4%). This contrasts with declines or lower scores at Kinoshita (ELA 28.3% [-2%], Math 19% [-4%]), Marblehead (ELA 46%, Math 34%), and Clarence Lobo (ELA 40%, Math 42%). Why is a school demonstrating strong and improving academic performance targeted for closure?

3.       Program Representation: The March 2024 DAC handout inaccurately underrepresents Del Obispo's offerings. For a fair comparison, please revise it to include our robust programs like Thinking Maps, School Garden, Meet the Masters, PAL, Student Council, Makerspace/Robotics, musical performances, science camp, and more, alongside STARS and Code Campus.

Many families feel unheard due to the rushed and non-transparent process surrounding the potential closure of Del Obispo. We believe public resources are best invested in supporting existing success. We ask you to commit to Del Obispo—a thriving public school bolstered by unwavering community support.

Thank you for considering our community's perspective and the data presented. We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
 [Your Street or Neighborhood – optional but helpful]
 [Your Child(ren)’s Grade(s) – optional]

Phone Script:

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a parent at Del Obispo Elementary.

I’m calling to strongly oppose the potential closure of our school.

Del Obispo is a vital part of this community—with rising test scores, growing neighborhood enrollment, and a wide range of enrichment programs.

This decision feels rushed and unfair. We’re asking the district to prioritize transparency, data, and real community input.

Please keep Del Obispo open. Thank you.

📞 General Contact Info:

  • District Office Address: 33122 Valle Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

  • Main Phone: (949) 234-9200

  • Fax: (949) 493-8729