Presentation to the Board
August 5, 2026
Ramona Temporary Relocation
Updates on timelines, locations, and family support
Presentation revised August 5, 2026
What is Happening?
- Ramona Elementary will not open for the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
- Students and staff will be temporarily relocated to other schools.
- This decision was made after reviewing the results of a preliminary facilities investigation.
- Based on the information we have at this time, addressing these concerns will require a comprehensive assessment, additional expertise, and the development of a detailed plan to guide next steps.
Investigation
A preliminary engineering investigation identified active water intrusion and damage to building components, including areas that require further structural review.
Key point: These are concealed building-component conditions. They are different from the occupied-room air testing question, but they require a repair plan and structural review.
Timeline
The District moved from environmental monitoring and roof repair planning to a broader forensic and structural question as new information developed.
- November 2025Leak reported; initial response and remediation.
- December 2025Limited mold investigation; rooms 503/505 remediated and cleared.
- March 2026Full-site air sampling; staff meeting; air scrubbers and monitoring.
- April 2026District decides to bring in engineering / building-envelope expertise.
- May 2026NAC/ABB kickoff; ABB testing plan issued May 31.
- Summer 2026Roof replacement work proceeds.
- July 17, 2026ABB rough draft received; broader damage and C-channel issue identified.
- July 27, 2026Decision to temporarily relocate Ramona.
- August 7, 2026NAC/ABB/Viola site meeting for structural review and ROM pricing.
Current focus: Confirm whether the C-channel can be repaired and whether the repair path stays below or triggers DSA rehabilitation thresholds.
The District's Decision
Earlier basis for occupancy
- Repeated air samples in occupied spaces were generally low or comparable to outside air at the time sampled.
- Visible or localized issues were addressed through containment, cleaning, drying, testing and repairs.
- Known damage did not automatically mean occupied classroom air was unsafe.
New basis for relocation
- Destructive testing found active water intrusion and concealed damage in building-envelope components.
- The steel C-channel now requires structural review before a repair scope can be finalized.
- The work needed to investigate and repair is intrusive and cannot reasonably occur with students on campus.
Options considered
What Comes Next? Potential Outcomes
| Limited repairs | Broader building repairs | Major rehabilitation | Full replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Localized wall/window/stucco work; C-channel repair is limited and feasible. | Multiple buildings need envelope repairs and some structural repair work. | Scope or cost triggers broader DSA rehabilitation/accessibility requirements. | Repair is not feasible or cost approaches rebuilding the campus. |
| Months, not weeks; possible 2026-27 return if DSA and construction align. | Likely extends through much of 2026-27; reopening may move to 2027-28. | Longer design, DSA review, bidding and construction; 2027-28 or beyond. | Multi-year path. |
Structural review on Friday, August 7 and repair cost estimates will provide additional information to determine scope of work required.
Temporary Relocation Plan
Temporary school assignments
- TK → Lemonwood
- Kindergarten → Driffill
- Grade 1 → Lemonwood
- Grades 2-3 → Rose Avenue
- Grades 4-5 → Cesar Chavez
School Office: Ramona Administration will temporarily locate at Cesar Chavez School on the Juanita side of campus.
Temporary Relocation Plan: Why These Schools
Why these schools and locations were selected:
- Grade level requirements
- Kinder bathrooms
- Keep classes close together
- Continue the biliteracy program
Supporting Students & Families
The District is committed to keeping the Ramona community together as much as possible.
The district is working to provide information to families on:
- Transportation
- Before- and after-school programs
- Special Education services
- Biliteracy program
- Student supports
School Spirit
What will continue for Ramona students and families:
- Events and family gatherings
- Back to school night (transportation)
- Sports
- After School program
- Awards assemblies
- School celebrations
Continued programs: PTA, ELAC, SSC
Weekly updates will be provided from Principal Mares: more specific information as it is being worked out.
Communication from the School
- Text
- ParentSquare
- Phone calls
- Emails
- Web page updates
- Parent meetings
- Social media
School Start and Dismissal Times
| School | Grade | Start | Regular Dismissal | Wednesdays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonwood | TK | 8:00 AM | 2:15 PM | 12:15 PM |
| Lemonwood | Grade 1 | 8:00 AM | 2:20 PM | 1:20 PM |
| Driffill | Kindergarten | 8:15 AM | 2:30 PM | 12:30 PM |
| Rose Avenue | Grades 2-3 | 8:00 AM | 2:20 PM | 1:15 PM |
| Cesar Chavez | Grades 4-5 | 8:00 AM | 2:20 PM | 1:15 PM |
Family Support
Temporary Ramona Office: 224 N. Juanita Ave, Oxnard, CA 93030 (Former Cesar Chavez Office)
Office Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
School Phone Number: (805) 385-1569
Support Email: RamonaElem@oxnardsd.org
Facilities website and FAQs: oxnardsd.org/information
Ongoing regular email updates will be provided.
Looking Ahead
- The District does not yet know how long the relocation will last.
- Experts are evaluating repair options and timelines.
- Families and staff will continue to receive updates as decisions are made.
Our Commitment
- Safety will continue to guide every decision.
- The District will communicate openly and frequently.
- We are committed to minimizing disruption while ensuring every student receives a high-quality education and the support they need.