My name is Dr. Alex Dakessian, and I am standing here as one of the 120 assistant principals whose positions were cut yesterday.
We were told that schools with fewer than 250 students would lose their “foundational AP” next year. I don’t know what research that threshold was rooted in, but I can tell you it isn't rooted in the reality of my school. On the 20th day of school, we didn't have 246 students; we had 317. We had 246 students in K-8 and 71 students in Pre-K. I ask you to reflect on the message we send to our families when we tell them their Pre-K children simply “don’t count” in the eyes of this district.
If we’re focusing on numbers.. Let me give you a few... At McCutcheon, we manage 2 non-adjacent buildings, a few blocks apart. Think about our emergencies, in which I have become a track star running between buildings. We now have 90 Pre-K students, 6 Pre-K teachers, and 7 Pre-K SECAs.
We also have 5 cluster programs, we have over 40 ESPs and 38 CTU members to evaluate. That is over 150 mandated evaluations. I have also entered 345 ASPEN incidents and scheduled 485 classes in ASPEN. I have helped case manage our 131 special education students, learned to communicate with our 20 non-verbal students using AAC devices, translate for our 134 English Learners, and gotten food and bedding for our 70 STLS students.
I managed the CIWP priorities that moved our school from Targeted to Commendable. If you don't understand the "lift" this requires, ask any of the 630 principals you just devalued to observe a root-cause meeting—just don't rely on the AI-generated feedback used to evaluate our hard work.
Yesterday’s decision didn't just hurt 120 people; it told every school leader that our work—and our students—are worth less than we thought. Telling principals they can “liquidate” an AP for $100,000 is a slap in the face. Our students deserve better than a budget built on arbitrary math. I implore you to reject this proposal. If you need help balancing the books, ask the leaders who manage their own abysmal budgets every year; we continuously find solutions that aren’t this detrimental to our children.
AFSA members are leaders in their schools and communities and are charged with the privilege and responsibility of helping to mold our nation’s students into successful, mindful individuals.
AFSA members are leaders in their schools and communities and are charged with the privilege and responsibility of helping to mold our nation’s students into successful, mindful individuals.
As school leaders, AFSA members are constantly advocating for better public schools and systems of education. In regard to education reform, AFSA members support changes that put students first and include school administrators in the discussion and implementation.
As school leaders, AFSA members are constantly advocating for better public schools and systems of education. In regard to education reform, AFSA members support changes that put students first and include school administrators in the discussion and implementation.
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As a union affiliated with the AFL-CIO, AFSA members recognize the importance of collective bargaining rights and their right to organize. AFSA members are active in the labor movement and proudly stand in solidarity with all trade unionists and school administrators.
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As a union affiliated with the AFL-CIO, AFSA members recognize the importance of collective bargaining rights and their right to organize.
As school leaders, AFSA members are constantly advocating for better public schools and systems of education. In regard to education reform, AFSA members support changes that put students first and include school administrators in the discussion and implementation.
As school leaders, AFSA members are constantly advocating for better public schools and systems of education. In regard to education reform, AFSA members support changes that put students first and include school administrators in the discussion and implementation.
As a union affiliated with the AFL-CIO, AFSA members recognize the importance of collective bargaining rights and their right to organize. AFSA members are active in the labor movement and proudly stand in solidarity with all trade unionists and school administrators.
As a union affiliated with the AFL-CIO, AFSA members recognize the importance of collective bargaining rights and their right to organize. AFSA members are active in the labor movement and proudly stand in solidarity with all trade unionists and school administrators.
This morning, CPAA participated in the District’s budget briefing with other labor partners. We were disappointed to learn that approximately 120 assistant principal positions have been removed from foundational staffing in the upcoming budget. The District determined that schools with fewer than 250 students will no longer receive district-funded assistant principal positions. For CPAA, this is unacceptable.
This possibility was one of the reasons CPAA convened an in-person assistant principal meeting two weeks ago. As concerns began to surface, we wanted to be prepared with strategy should this, or some version of it, become reality. During that meeting, Principal James Cosme said what many in the room were already feeling: “We have to support our assistant principals the way CPAA supports us.”
While CPAA does not control District budget decisions, we absolutely will respond through every avenue available to us, including Board advocacy, collective bargaining, direct member support, and District conversations.
Assistant principals are foundational. Schools who serve fewer students are no less deserving of leadership. Assistant principals are critical to student success.
What Members Need to Know:
1. This is serious. But it is not final.
The budget has been released, but it still must be approved by the Board of Education.
President Banks will urge the Board to reject this portion of the budget.
CPAA also remains actively at the bargaining table, where long-term staffing protections are still being fought for.
2. This is exactly why we need our comprehensive Collective Bargaining Agreement
A comprehensive collective bargaining agreement is about enforceable protections for school leaders.
Without those protections, positions can be redefined, removed, or shifted whenever District priorities change.
3. If your school is impacted:
Do not assume this decision is settled.
Do not make reactive AP liquidation decisions without understanding the broader implications.
Contact CPAA so we can help you think through options and strategy.
We need everyone to understand that individual staffing decisions made under pressure can quickly become part of a larger District narrative.
If you know an AP who is not yet a dues-paying member, encourage them to join now.
There is too much on the line for school leaders to sit on the sidelines.
This fight is about assistant principals.
This fight is about principals.
This fight is about school leadership protections.
CPAA Treasurer, Principal Ryan Belville, reminded us, this is one of those...
My name is Pedro Parra Hurtado, and I am honored to serve as the Associate Principal Representative on the AACV Board of Directors. I bring over 15 years of experience in education, both in the United States and abroad in Spain. Throughout my career, I have taught in the Dual Immersion Program at various grade levels and have also served as a Resource Teacher. Most recently, I’ve taken on the role of Associate Principal at Vista Square Elementary. My passion lies in instruction and language development, rooted in my personal journey as an English Language Learner. This experience continues to inspire my commitment to creating equitable and impactful learning opportunities for all students. I look forward to supporting our work together, growing professionally, and serving as a strong advocate for your voice on the Board.
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My name is Pedro Parra Hurtado, and I am honored to serve as the Communications/ Social/ Scholarship Chairperson on the AACV Board of Directors. I bring over 15 years of experience in education, both in the United States and abroad in Spain. Throughout my career, I have taught in the Dual Immersion Program at various grade levels and have also served as a Resource Teacher. Most recently, I’ve taken on the role of Associate Principal at Vista Square Elementary. My passion lies in instruction and language development, rooted in my personal journey as an English Language Learner. This experience continues to inspire my commitment to creating equitable and impactful learning opportunities for all students. I look forward to supporting our work together, growing professionally, and serving as a strong advocate for your voice on the Board.
I am Veronica Delgado and I am the Vice President on the AACV Board of Directors. I have worked in CVESD for 19 years, and first started working in public education in San Diego Unified in 2002. Prior to transitioning to Public Education, I worked for 10 years in International Business, Marketing and Community Relations for various non-profits and businesses, including five years with the San Diego Padres. Currently I am in my second Principal assignment at Rice Elementary School, where I previously was the Associate Principal for 3.5 years. I served on the AACV Bargaining committee and am honored to now serve on AACV Board this first year. I enjoy reading extensively, I love supporting and attending Padres and Chargers games, and love to travel, especially throughout Mexico.
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Delia Arancibia is the AACV Vice President for 2026.
I am Ruth Díaz de León and I am the President on the AACV Board of Directors. I am approaching my third decade in education and I remain committed to shaping the minds of students. I am the proud principal at Vista Square Elementary School.
I’m Theresa Corona, and I’ve been passionate about education for over 30 years. For the past 18 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Chula Vista Elementary School District, where I’m currently the principal at Silver Wing Elementary. Before that, I spent 16 wonderful years as a teacher in another district, helping to shape young minds and inspire a love of learning.
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I’m also proud to serve as the president of the Administrators Association Chula Vista. In this role, I’m dedicated to supporting our administrators, advocating for their needs, and ensuring we provide the best education possible for our students. Education is my life’s work, and I’m committed to making a positive impact in our community.
