Oxnard School District Announces New Name for Cesar Chavez Elementary Tuesday

OXNARD, Calif. – The Oxnard School District issued the following press release about the renaming of Cesar Chavez Elementary to the Juanita Academy of Literacy, Communication Arts and Technology.

The Oxnard School District (OSD) Board of Trustees has officially approved a new name for Cesar Chavez Elementary School: Juanita Academy of Literacy, Communication Arts and Technology. 

The name selection process began in March of 2026, when the OSD Board approved moving forward with selecting a new name for the elementary school. The community name suggestion survey remained open through May 22, 2026, and invited the entire school community to share name ideas and suggestions. While the survey remained opened the District also allowed for multiple opportunities for participation and held separate listening sessions with faculty and staff, students, and parents, as well as meetings of the Community Advisory Committee. The listening sessions were facilitated by the Equity Praxis group, with the parent/guardian session offered in both English and Spanish. 

All feedback gathered through the District’s efforts was then shared with the Community Advisory Committee for review and research. After carefully reviewing the survey data and community input, the Committee narrowed the list to five finalists: Monarcas, Juanita, Colonia, Academia de Águilas, and Cuauhtémoc. Each name carried its own history and significance and was selected for consideration by the Board as part of the final decision-making process.

“A school’s name should reflect its values, aspirations, and sense of purpose,” said Oxnard School District Superintendent Dr. Ana DeGenna. “Juanita Academy reflects a thoughtful, transparent process grounded in community input and a shared commitment to a strong educational experience. We are proud to honor the traditions that have shaped this school while looking ahead to continued achievement.”

The name Juanita carries deep roots in the school’s history and strong sentimental ties to the pride generations of families have shared with the school. The school was named Juanita after the street on which it was originally located, further connecting the name to the community it has served for generations. Today, many students attend a school where their parents, grandparents, or other family members once attended. Community feedback highlighted not only the historical significance of the name, but also its connection to belonging, cultural identity and heritage, and responsibility. As a legacy school, preserving that connection was an important consideration moving forward. Juanita also received support from all six stakeholder groups represented in the community engagement process.

As the school moves forward under its new name, the District looks forward to celebrating its history, continue strengthening its connection to the Juanita community, and building a future that students and staff can take pride in. The Oxnard School District is excited to begin the transition to the new name and looks forward to celebrating this next chapter together.