Dear SJUSD Board of Education,

This letter serves as a formal appeal to keep Simonds Elementary open. While we recognize the fiscal challenges facing the district, Simonds is not a liability to be cut; it is a high-performing "anchor" that stabilizes district enrollment and protects our long-term financial health.

Based on a comprehensive analysis of enrollment stability, academic performance, and strategic location within the Almaden Valley community, the data indicates that Simonds is not only a viable institution but a critical asset for the district’s long-term "Schools of Tomorrow" vision.

1. Proven Enrollment Resilience

Simonds is a statistical outlier in the district’s current enrollment trend. While SJUSD has seen a 20% decline since 2017, Simonds remains robustly populated and stable.

Significant Capacity Surplus: While the district identifies schools with fewer than 350 students as being at risk, Simonds currently serves 480 students. This places the school 37% above the "danger zone" threshold.

Proven Population Stability: In contrast to the significant declines seen across the rest of the district, Simonds has remained remarkably flat over the last three cycles, maintaining a consistent population of 480 to 494 students.

Superior Regional Performance: Simonds is actively outperforming the broader district's downward trend, serving as a resilient outlier that maintains high utilization despite the 20% district-wide decline since 2017.

Retention Rate: Simonds serves as a primary draw for the Almaden Valley, where the population of children under 18 remains high (approximately 24.7% of the local demographic).

2. Academic Excellence & Specialized Assets

Simonds is a premier academic institution. Closing it risks "Private School Flight," which would result in a permanent loss of state Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funding.

Elite Performance: 70.6% ELA proficiency (2025 CAASPP), far exceeding regional averages.

3.  Special Education & Academic Excellence

Simonds provides specialized services that cannot be easily replicated or "moved" without disrupting vulnerable student populations.

Special Education (SPED) Pillar: Simonds is a critical site for Special Day Classes (SDC). These programs are deeply integrated into the school culture, providing specialized instruction for all special needs children.

The Sensory Room: A high-value resource specifically designed for neurodivergent students and socio-emotional learning (PBIS).

4. The "Community Hub" Efficiency Model

Simonds maximizes district efficiency by utilizing its strategic "Library-Park-School" Nexus.

Logistical Optimization: Located less than 0.3 miles from the Almaden Branch Library and Community Center, the school allows for integrated programming without additional transportation costs. Community center offers programs for children and parents including Arts, Dance, Music, Robotics, Engineering, Science, All sports, speech and public speaking, Very well run afterschool program by City of San Jose.

High Walkability: Simonds minimizes the district’s carbon footprint and transportation budget by serving a dense, local walking population.

5. Music and Performing Arts program

The music program at Simonds Elementary School in San Jose (SJUSD) is characterized by a strong partnership between the school district and the Simonds Music and Technology Foundation (SMTF), a parent-led nonprofit that bridges funding gaps to ensure consistent arts education.

The Path to Castillero Middle School: As most Simonds students transition to Castillero Middle School—a dedicated Performing Arts Magnet—this early exposure is critical. Three years of specialized music experience at the elementary level gives students a significant advantage in their middle school music journey. Students showcase their growth through 2–3 professional-quality concerts annually.

Extracurriculars & Performance

Choir: Available for 3rd–5th grades.

Strings & Band: Available for 4th and 5th grades.

6. Availability of Safe Parking-unsung Hero of school safety

Adequate parking is often the "unsung hero" of school safety; having 154 parking spots right next door significantly mitigates the chaotic "double-parking" and illegal U-turns that usually plague school zones during drop-off and pick-up.

7. Fiscal and Fiduciary Responsibility
Retaining Simonds is the soundest financial choice for the district’s long-term health.

Measure R ROI: Simonds’ high enrollment and site condition make it the ideal candidate for "core" investment under the Measure R bond framework.
Protecting ADA Funding: Closing a top-tier school in Almaden Valley risks "private school flight." Losing students to private institutions results in a permanent loss of Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funding for SJUSD.
 
Closing Simonds would disrupt a high-performing, stable, and geographically optimized ecosystem. The data confirms that Simonds is a high-utilization site that provides a model for the "Schools of Tomorrow" initiative.

We strongly urge STIC to retain Simonds Elementary as a central hub for the Almaden Valley, utilizing its stable enrollment and high academic output as a benchmark for district-wide excellence.

Click this link to send an email to policy makers. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iBOsgvzCKkoTCNfUeRGbkBIS1lAa5KVJSuclRwWJlBI/edit?usp=drivesdk