Mariana Dale explores and explains the forces that shape how and what kids learn from kindergarten to high school.
Published Jun 12, 2026 3:44 PM
LAUSD's Cesar E. Chavez Academies include four independent high schools located on a single campus in San Fernando.
(
Justin Sullivan
/
Getty Images
)
- How did the change come together?
- What's next?
- Have other thoughts on school names?
Los Angeles Unified has renamed two campuses previously named for Cesar Chavez. The move follows a New York Times investigation that found the famed labor leader sexually abused girls and women.
The board voted to rename the schools Friday following town hall meetings and a vote among staff, students and parents at each campus.
Cesar Chavez Learning Academies in San Fernando is now Arroyo High School, and Cesar Chavez Elementary School is now Oakland Street Elementary School.
How did the change come together?
A March New York Times investigation found survivors of Chavez’s abuse included United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta. The LAUSD Board voted unanimously a week later to begin a renaming process for the two campuses after a consultation with the schools’ communities.
Keep up with LAist.
If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.
With one exception, none of the other prospective names were associated with specific people.
Arroyo High School
Previously called: Cesar E. Chavez Learning Academy
Other names considered:
- Valley High School
- Rudy Acuña High School (Rodolfo "Rudy" Acuña is a Chicano studies scholar who died earlier this year at age 93.)
The vote: Arroyo High earned 557 of 1,063 votes, and was the most popular choice among each of students, parents and staff. It’s based on the street where the school is located. (“Arroyo” is Spanish for “creek.”)
Oakland Street Elementary School
Previously called: Cesar Chavez Elementary School
Other names considered:
- Eagles Elementary
- Arroyo Elementary
The vote: Oakland Street Elementary received 211 out of 314 votes, and was the favorite among each of students, parents and staff.
What's next?
The district has designated $209,000 for renovations associated with the name changes, including changing signs and marquees.
The single largest cost is refurbishing the high school’s hardwood gym floor, which will cost an estimated $120,000. Other significant costs include removing and replacing metal lettering on the front of the high school for $25,000, as well as removing and replacing crash pads and banners in the gym for $30,000.
Have other thoughts on school names?
Senior editor Ross Brenneman contributed to this story.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.