May 9, 2025
For immediate release
SAUSD and the City of Santa Ana Are Collaborating to Develop a Comprehensive Support Plan in Response to the Recent Santa Ana High School Tragedy
SANTA ANA, CA – The Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) is working with the City of Santa Ana to launch a coordinated citywide support plan to care for the emotional and physical well-being of students, staff, and families, following the tragic death of a Santa Ana High School student and the injury of two others during an altercation near campus on Wednesday.
Crisis counselors, district staff, and trauma-informed community partners will remain on site this week at Santa Ana High School to provide grief counseling and emotional support. Additional resources are being made available across other campuses as needed.
District leaders are also working closely with the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police Department to implement a series of joint actions aimed at ensuring student safety and strengthening mental health services. On Thursday, SAUSD Superintendent Jerry Almendarez and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Perez met with the City Manager Alvaro Nuñez and Police Chief Robert Rodriguez to outline key steps, including:
- Establishing a Joint Mental Health Task Force: This group will include representatives from the district, city, law enforcement, and behavioral health professionals, working together to address gaps in student mental health services and improve coordination across agencies.
- Expanding Community Mental Health Resources: The district is exploring the deployment of mobile crisis units, additional school-based mental health providers, and youth-focused wellness programs.
- Supporting After-School Programs: SAUSD is expanding access to safe, supervised environments that offer academic support, recreation, and social-emotional care.
- Launching Public Safety Campaigns and Strengthening Community Policing: These initiatives will aim to foster trust between law enforcement and youth, while raising awareness around violence prevention and mental health.
“We are committed to walking alongside our community during this time of grief and healing,” said Superintendent Almendarez. “These steps reflect our shared commitment to the safety, well-being, and future of our students.”
Families seeking support are encouraged to reach out to their school’s administration or counseling office. SAUSD remains dedicated to providing a safe, caring, and responsive environment for all students.
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