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Castle Park High School (CPHS) is a four-year public high school in Chula Vista, California, United States. Established in 1963, the school serves grades 9–12. It has approximately 1,500 students, those of which are primarily from low to middle-income families. The campus covers 46 acres and is just 6 miles north of the Mexico–United States border.[2]
The case was brought by female students on the softball team at CPHS who filed a class-action lawsuit against SUHSD, claiming the school failed to provide equal athletic opportunities for female athletes.[5] The argument was in regards to that the school's softball team received less support and poorer facilities compared to the baseball team.[6]
2012: Following a 10-day trial, Judge Lorenz finds the district in violation.
April 2023: The district dedicates $1.6 million in improvements to the softball field.[10]
The ruling required the school district to take steps to address the imbalance in athletic opportunities. The district's appeal of the decision was unsuccessful. The references used concerning this case are: Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education, 544 U.S. 167 (2005). Emeldi v. University of Oregon, 698 F.3d 715 (9th Cir. 2012). Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.[11]
Many of Castle Park's classrooms were renovated in 2006 by Turner Construction Company, and as a result classrooms now are air-conditioned with energy-efficient lighting and windows. Classrooms are also now internet-ready and have new whiteboards, cabinets, flooring, and paint. The school's landscape was recently cleaned up in 2009 - 2010, and the entire school was repainted on the exterior with a more rich, earth-toned tan color in 2011. These much-needed improvements will be followed up by another phase of construction which is slated to begin within the next few years with Proposition O.
September 2009, Congressman Bob Filner presented the school with an American flag, as part of a way to recognize the school’s efforts toward academic improvement.[12]
October 3, 2011, Castle Park High's former principal, Diego Ochoa, and assistant principal, Abram Jimenez, stepped down after $21,583 was taken from nine student clubs without advisers' knowledge. The funds were deposited into an account for other school expenses, including employee gifts, luncheons, parking costs, a $600 chainsaw, and a $130 football helmet for a local doctor. Additionally, there were unpaid bills totaling $72,712 for items like yearbooks and uniforms.[13]
In a related matter, Ochoa facilitated over 115 unauthorized grade changes after a credit recovery session, which involved eliminating D's and F's from student transcripts, in violation of district policy. Ochoa was initially in consideration for a promotion to executive director of middle schools; however, he was reassigned to the principal role at Bonita Vista Middle before his resignation.[13]
In November 2011, a teacher at the school was investigated by the Sweetwater Union High School District for allegedly showing an inappropriate film to students. The preliminary investigation found "no merit" to the claims, and the teacher remained employed. Around the same time, a separate incident for a potential sex crime in the cafeteria was dismissed as "horseplay that went too far."[14][15]
November 30, 2011, the school was under investigation for three incidents involving teachers and students. A history teacher was put on paid administrative leave due to an altercation with a student, and a biology teacher was put on unpaid leave after being arrested for possession of methamphetamine. (Nov. 7)[16] In addition, four football players were charged with sexual assault in a hazing incident.(Oct. 17)[17] The principal at the time, Virginia Sandoval Johnson, stated that the school is increasing supervision to ensure student safety.
As of December 19, 2014, the school faced student transfers, with over 25% of its students leaving due to concerns about violence and declining academics.[18]
In July 2017, rumours arose regarding the possible retirement of its long-standing mascot, Tommy Trojan. The speculation began when a large mural of Tommy was taken down during an $800,000 renovation project to upgrade the gym. However, the District confirmed that the mascot would remain and was not being replaced.[19]
2018, School staff, including both teachers and non-teaching employees, were accused of inappropriate behavior, including sexual harassment and physical assault. Rather than facing termination, these employees were transferred to other schools or positions. This practice, known as "passing the trash," where employees investigated for misconduct, including sexual harassment and physical assault, were moved to other schools. A football coach and custodian at Castle Park High School was accused of using a racial slur and assaulting students.[20]
In March 2020, students in the Sweetwater Union High School District held walkouts in response to budget cuts. The cuts included 237 positions, such as teachers and counselors, and the closure of 12 learning centers.[22]
In August 2021, Castle Park High School ASBDean/ Title IX Compliance Officer, Bobbi Acosta, performed the Heimlich maneuver on a student, who was choking after accidentally swallowing plastic.[23]
In September 2022, a parent of a Castle Park High School student announced that she planned to sue the Sweetwater Union High School District after her son broke his ankle during a physical education class. The injury occurred on August 9 when he stepped into a pothole on the basketball court. The incident followed a student-led social media campaign that highlighted poor conditions at the school, including damaged facilities. Although the district board did approve a plan for improvements in July, the parent and her attorney claimed that no significant repairs had been made.[24] Another family from Southwest High School was taking legal action after their son also sustained injuries on the school's soccer field.[25]
In May 2023, A baseball player from Castle Park High School experienced a serious injury during a game. He sustained spinal and skull fractures.[26]
Castle Park High School and the Sweetwater Union High School District as a whole, are currently renovating their facilities (as of 2024) including building a new football stadium. The district is investing $42 million to update infrastructure and athletic facilities. The main goal of these improvements is to enhance safety and the quality of education.[27][28][29]
Other programs that the school offers include the Science Innovation Academy, which provides advanced A-G academics alongside hands-on experiences in the STEM fields.[31] This program helps students prepare for careers in science and technology. It includes advanced courses, internships, and mentorship opportunities.[32] "STEM Goes Red" is an initiative by the American Heart Association aimed at encouraging female students, particularly Latinas, to (STEM).[33]
