SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) shared plans on Tuesday to prepare students and campus infrastructure for El Niño.
District officials said at least 10 out of their 175 schools are located in flood-prone areas. In response, SDUSD is preparing school buildings for rain and flooding that may occur during an El Niño. The district also hopes students can learn about the weather impacts in the classroom.
“When El Niño brings extreme weather, keeping our children safe is at the very heart of everything we do,” Superintendent Fabi Bagula said in a news release. “Severe rain, localized flooding, and sudden storms can be overwhelming for families, so taking thoughtful, early steps to protect our school community is our top priority.”
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According to the district, the 10 schools with site-specific awareness for flood-prone areas include:
Millennial Tech Middle School
Pacific Beach Middle School
Barnard Elementary School
Ocean Beach Elementary School
While SDUSD said the city is responsible for infrastructure, the school district’s Physical Plant Operations (PPO) is helping address impacts on school grounds.
These areas in San Diego County are at the highest risk of flooding, data shows
The school district also plans to inspect roofing and drains, remove debris near drain inlets, service underground biofiltration systems, inspect trees in known problematic areas, purchase equipment and collaborate with the city on nearby flood concerns.
“Preparing our campuses for severe weather isn’t done overnight,” SDUSD Operations Deputy Superintendent Drew Rowlands added. “It takes weeks and months of continuous rigor, planning, and hands-on maintenance behind the scenes.”
San Diego Unified Board of Education Trustee Cody Petterson said students should also be taught how environmental issues and climate change will impact the world around them.
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“Equipping our children to understand and navigate these climate events ensures that our schools, families, and coastal communities are prepared for the next storm and for the future,” Petterson said.
During the first week of November, students will also be taught a new curriculum — El Niño Explorer Week. Educators will provide lessons to students on the history of El Niño, San Diego weather conditions and more. Details regarding the curriculum plan can be found on the SDUSD website.
“Bringing El Niño into the classroom goes beyond teaching science,” SDUSD Senior Director of Future-Ready Learning Julie Garcia said. “It helps students understand how Earth’s interconnected systems can shape conditions in their own communities and empowers them to share accurate information, prepare their families, and advocate for community readiness.”
School law enforcement is also available to support student safety, secure a calm environment and help lead the Emergency Operations Center. SDUSD officials said schools can also serve as temporary shelters or gathering places if necessary.
“By putting in the proactive work early, we eliminate preventable risks and create the operational flexibility needed to handle whatever unexpected challenges a major storm brings,” Rowlands said.
More information regarding the impacted schools and the district’s El Niño
emergency preparedness plan can be found on the SDUSD website.
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