There has been growing concern across Almaden and surrounding San Jose communities following news that San José Unified School District (SJUSD) is reviewing potential school consolidations and closures due to declining enrollment and budget constraints.

Two schools currently under review are Simonds Elementary and Williams Elementary — both highly regarded campuses with strong academic performance and deeply rooted community ties.

While my own children do not attend Simonds or Williams, they do attend an Almaden school, and this situation hits incredibly close to home. These families are our friends, neighbors, classmates, teammates, and community members. When something impacts one part of our community, it affects all of us.

Why Are Simonds & Williams Being Considered?

Like many districts across California, SJUSD is experiencing:

• Declining student enrollment

• Budget constraints

• Rising operational costs across multiple campuses

As a result, the district is evaluating ways to consolidate resources — which may include school closures or boundary changes.

However, many parents and community members are questioning this process, especially given that Simonds and Williams are both high-performing schools with strong enrollment, academic outcomes, and community involvement.

Community Impact & Emotional Response

The response throughout Almaden and surrounding neighborhoods has been swift and emotional — and understandably so.

Schools are more than buildings. They are centers of connection, stability, and identity for families and neighborhoods. They shape friendships, routines, and childhood memories. The thought of losing schools that mean so much to so many families is deeply personal.

Petitions, meetings, advocacy efforts, and community discussions are already underway as parents and residents come together to protect what makes this area so special.

What Happens Next?

At this time, no final decisions have been made.

SJUSD is still in the community input and evaluation phase, which includes:

• Public meetings

• Community feedback sessions

• District-level analysis

This means voices matter. Staying informed, attending meetings, and participating in discussions can make a meaningful difference.

Why This Matters for Almaden Homeowners & Buyers

School districts and assignments play a significant role in:

• Neighborhood stability

• Buyer demand

• Long-term home values

• Family relocation decisions

Changes to school structures can impact not only families with children, but also future buyers considering Almaden, which is widely known for its strong schools, tight-knit community, and exceptional quality of life.

Staying Informed

If you live in Almaden, Cambrian, Blossom Valley, or surrounding San Jose neighborhoods, this is something worth following closely. I’ll continue sharing updates as they become available.

If you have questions about how this could affect your family, your home value, or future real estate plans, I’m always happy to help.