Key dates
- 2007: Girls softball players from Castle Park High School file a lawsuit against the Sweetwater Union High School District. [8]
- 2009: U.S. District Judge M. James Lorenz rules against the district, which pays nearly $500,000 in legal fees.
- 2012: The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a 2012 ruling that the Sweetwater Union High School violated Title IX. [9]
- 2012: Following a 10-day trial, Judge Lorenz finds the district in violation.
- April 2023: The district dedicates $1.6 million in improvements to the softball field. [10]
The ruling required the school district to take steps to address the imbalance in athletic opportunities. The district's appeal of the decision was unsuccessful. The references used concerning this case are: Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education, 544 U.S. 167 (2005). Emeldi v. University of Oregon, 698 F.3d 715 (9th Cir. 2012). Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. [11]
Many of Castle Park's classrooms were renovated in 2006 by Turner Construction Company, and as a result classrooms now are air-conditioned with energy-efficient lighting and windows. Classrooms are also now internet-ready and have new whiteboards, cabinets, flooring, and paint. The school's landscape was recently cleaned up in 2009 - 2010, and the entire school was repainted on the exterior with a more rich, earth-toned tan color in 2011. These much-needed improvements will be followed up by another phase of construction which is slated to begin within the next few years with Proposition O.
September 2009, Congressman Bob Filner presented the school with an American flag, as part of a way to recognize the school’s efforts toward academic improvement. [12]
October 3, 2011, Castle Park High's former principal, Diego Ochoa, and assistant principal, Abram Jimenez, stepped down after $21,583 was taken from nine student clubs without advisers' knowledge. The funds were deposited into an account for other school expenses, including employee gifts, luncheons, parking costs, a $600 chainsaw, and a $130 football helmet for a local doctor. Additionally, there were unpaid bills totaling $72,712 for items like yearbooks and uniforms. [13]
In a related matter, Ochoa facilitated over 115 unauthorized grade changes after a credit recovery session, which involved eliminating D's and F's from student transcripts, in violation of district policy. Ochoa was initially in consideration for a promotion to executive director of middle schools; however, he was reassigned to the principal role at Bonita Vista Middle before his resignation. [13]
As of December 19, 2014, the school faced student transfers, with over 25% of its students leaving due to concerns about violence and declining academics. [14]
In July 2017, rumours arose regarding the possible retirement of its long-standing mascot, Tommy Trojan. The speculation began when a large mural of Tommy was taken down during an $800,000 renovation project to upgrade the gym. However, the District confirmed that the mascot would remain and was not being replaced. [15]
In March 2020, students in the Sweetwater Union High School District held walkouts in response to budget cuts. The cuts included 237 positions, such as teachers andcounselors, and the closure of 12 learning centers. [16]
Castle Park High School and the Sweetwater Union High School District as a whole, are currently renovating their facilities (as of 2024) including building a new football stadium. The district is investing $42 million to update infrastructure and athletic facilities. The main goal of these improvements is to enhance safety and the quality of education. [17] [18] [19]
