Hesperia Unified School District — Local services in Hesperia

Ongoing Racial Discrimination and Lack of Accountability in Hesperia Unified School District

I am writing to share my deep concern and frustration regarding the lack of diversity and the mishandling of racial issues within Hesperia Unified School District.

There are very few people of color in leadership positions within the district. Specifically, there is a noticeable lack of African-American teachers and administrators. This lack of representation has real consequences for students of color, who are not being adequately protected or supported.

Last year, my children experienced multiple instances of racism while attending Kingston Elementary. They were called the N-word on several occasions, both inside and outside of the classroom. Despite my professionalism and efforts to follow proper reporting procedures, our concerns were dismissed. Shockingly, it seemed that because I remained calm and composed—instead of acting in a stereotypically “angry” or “unruly” way—district officials suggested we must be lying.

As a result, we were forced to seek legal counsel. A new principal has since been assigned to the school, which I believe is an implicit acknowledgment that the situation was mishandled. However, the damage to my children’s mental and emotional well-being has already been done.

Ultimately, I made the difficult decision to withdraw my children from the district and place them in homeschool, to shield them from the hate and ignorance that they encountered—often enabled or overlooked by school staff and leadership.

I want to warn other families: Be cautious when dealing with schools in the High Desert area. Based on my experience, Hesperia Unified School District condones racism and engages in unethical hiring practices. The well-being and dignity of students of color are not prioritized, and parents should be aware of the district’s failure to create a safe and equitable learning environment.

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i am trying my best to provide a better life choices for my kids as well as an education. i know kids will be kids we have to stay on them with the help of these school staff. my son isn't the most well behaved and the school feeds off of that, basically use it against him/us. with that being said my family is waiting for the status of my son to remain in attendance at cedar middle school. do to him being in trouble more then once for similar incidents. As a hard working mother i find it unfair not to mention unethical. these kids need to be pushed in a best direction possible. Not easily given the road to disaster, they don't realize as kids that adulthood is right around the corner. and survival is key. Supply and demand. May the lord bless these teachers, principles, office staff, kitchen staff, yard staff, even the custodian Jesus. prayer changes things and those of us that believe need to pray that this school for better...

Horrible, they don't care that some kids have to walk far due to the poor transportation options they provide parents. They don't even provide the option to pay for bussing if you don't live exactly 3 miles. They don't take into consideration that there are no side walks and busy main streets that have cross walks miles away from where they are going...They have the nerve to say bus is a privilege..ok a privilege that you DONT provide period....listen to the needs of the people and provide options don't just say we'll it's a privilege...de fund the schools is...