San Bernardino School District Pauses Use of Cesar Chavez Middle School Name

District takes interim steps to remove signage and references to the school name pending review.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:25am

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The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) announced it is taking precautionary, interim measures related to Cesar E. Chavez Middle School following recent concerns that have come to the district's attention. Effective immediately, the district will begin removing or covering external signage bearing the school's name and will pause the use of the name and logo across district-managed platforms and channels, including digital and printed materials. During this period, the school will be referred to as Middle School #318.

Why it matters

The district's actions highlight the sensitivity around honoring historical figures, especially in the context of evolving community perspectives. This pause allows the district to carefully review the concerns raised and determine the appropriate next steps regarding the school's name.

The details

District officials emphasized that these interim measures are not a final determination, but rather a step to allow time for a thoughtful review. Any permanent decision regarding the school's name will require formal action by the SBCUSD Board of Education in accordance with Board Policy 7310, which outlines the process for school naming and renaming.

  • On March 27, 2026, the San Bernardino School District announced the interim measures.

The players

San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD)

The public school district serving the city of San Bernardino, California.

Mauricio Arellano

The Superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District.

Cesar E. Chavez Middle School

A middle school in the San Bernardino City Unified School District that is the subject of the district's interim measures.

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What they’re saying

“We recognize the significance that Cesar Chavez holds for many, as well as the seriousness of the concerns being raised. Our responsibility is to proceed with care, ensuring that we are respectful to all members of our community, particularly those who are impacted.”

— Mauricio Arellano, Superintendent

What’s next

The district will provide additional information regarding next steps, including opportunity for community input and the timeline for Board consideration of any permanent decision regarding the school's name.

The takeaway

This pause on the use of the Cesar Chavez name for the middle school reflects the district's effort to carefully review community concerns and determine the appropriate path forward, balancing the significance of the historical figure with the need to be respectful of all stakeholders.