Sequoia Union High School District

TIDE Academy Process and Plan Information Page

Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) is initiating the process of determining the future of TIDE Academy, a small, innovative high school whose vision is to inspire students to grow academically and socially in a safe, collaborative environment that prepares them for college and career through core programs such as dual enrollment, CTE pathways, and Nucleus (the advisory program). This process is part of the district’s broader effort to realign resources, address enrollment shifts, and ensure equity and sustainability across all school sites.

Navigating a potential school closure is a deeply emotional process. Schools represent more than just buildings—they are communities, hubs of learning, and sources of pride and connection for students, families, and staff. Recognizing this, SUHSD is committed to approaching this process with transparency, empathy, and respect.

The goal of this strategy is to ensure that all stakeholders—especially affected students, families, and staff—are informed, valued, and supported through every stage of the process, and that communication fosters trust and understanding of both the process and its outcomes.

Goal

Ensure that Sequoia Union High School District stakeholders feel valued, informed, and confident in the process to determine the future of TIDE Academy—regardless of the final outcome—by providing transparent, compassionate, and consistent communication before, during, and after key decision points.

Overarching Communication Principles

Transparency and Timeliness: Information will be shared openly, accurately, and at key decision points to ensure stakeholders are never caught off guard.
Empathy and Respect: Communications will acknowledge the emotions and concerns of affected families and staff and will be delivered in a tone that centers care and dignity.
Equity and Inclusion: Engagement opportunities will be designed to meet the needs of diverse families, including translation, accessibility, and scheduling considerations.
Responsiveness: The district will provide timely answers to stakeholder questions and demonstrate that feedback is heard, recorded, and considered.
Message Consistency: All communicators—Board members, administrators, and staff—will use unified key messages and FAQs to maintain trust and clarity.
Community Voice: Parents, students, and staff will have structured opportunities to share input through town halls and other engagement formats.
Data-Driven Updates: Decisions and communications will reference clear data on enrollment, finances, and facility use to ensure the rationale is understood.

Objectives

Equip district leaders, staff, and board members with the tools and messaging needed to communicate clearly, compassionately, and consistently throughout the process.
Establish clear communication timelines tied to key milestones, including the Superintendent’s recommendation, public hearings, and the Board’s final decision.
Engage directly with stakeholders through inclusive, well-facilitated forums that allow for listening, feedback, and follow-up.
Ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility in all public-facing materials, ensuring every stakeholder understands the process, timeline, and next steps.