South County Community Schools Summit
![Group Picture of CVESD staff and leadership inside with a Community Schools Backdrop]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758309209/cvesdorg/mtxi4viyvcz7ffwjxwv3/2025-26CommunitySchoolsSummit.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758309209/cvesdorg/mtxi4viyvcz7ffwjxwv3/2025-26CommunitySchoolsSummit.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1758309209/cvesdorg/mtxi4viyvcz7ffwjxwv3/2025-26CommunitySchoolsSummit.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1758309209/cvesdorg/mtxi4viyvcz7ffwjxwv3/2025-26CommunitySchoolsSummit.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1758309209/cvesdorg/mtxi4viyvcz7ffwjxwv3/2025-26CommunitySchoolsSummit.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1758309209/cvesdorg/mtxi4viyvcz7ffwjxwv3/2025-26CommunitySchoolsSummit.jpg","width":2048}])
On August 27, 2025, the Chula Vista Educators (CVE) and Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) Co-chairs of the District Community School Steering Committee collaborated with neighboring labor associations and school districts to create the first-ever South County Community Schools Summit, with attendees from neighboring school districts, labor associations, and city officials. The gathering marked a milestone in expanding shared leadership across South County to strengthen Community Schools and advance the shared work to support students, families, staff, and the broader community.
The summit recognized the 47 Community Schools now established in South County, including 13 in CVESD. Together, these schools account for 25% of all Community Schools in the entire county. These schools operate on the principle that lasting student success is best achieved when the whole child is supported by the whole community, via integrated supports, extended learning opportunities, shared leadership, and community engagement. At the summit, participants also highlighted how governance structures, such as Site Steering Committees, place shared decision-making at the center by giving students, families, educators, and community partners an active role in identifying priorities and shaping solutions together.
“CVESD’s Community Schools are rooted in the belief that decisions should be made with the communities we serve,” said Joshua Kohler, CVESD Director of Community Schools. “Having almost 140 people come together from different roles and organizations, demonstrates how our entire community is committed to this work, committed to our students and children, and to doing more and doing better. By elevating community voice and shared leadership, we’re building stronger schools and stronger futures for South County.”
Supported through state and federal funding, CVESD’s Community Schools reflect the diverse needs of the district’s neighborhoods and remain a vital part of its commitment to student success. CVESD and CVE look forward to continuing this united work, strengthening the impact of Community Schools in shaping brighter futures for all in South County.