Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) is a publicschool district based in Chula Vista, California. The 103-square-mile (270 km2) district, the largest K–6 district in California, is located between San Diego and the Mexico-US border. In addition to almost all of Chula Vista, the district includes Bonita, portions of San Diego, and a small area of National City.[2]
Demographics
As of the 2011-2012 school year, the school district has 27,700 students. Of them, 45% take free or reduced lunch and 35% are English learners. In regards to race and ethnicity, 68% are Hispanic, 13% are White, 11% are Filipino, 4% are African American, 3% are Asian or Pacific Islander, and 1% are other.[3]
Casillas Elementary School is named after Joseph Casillas, a World War II combat veteran that was awarded the Silver Star and a Purple Heart. Joseph Casillas was shot in the head and arm while saving his squad during the Battle of the Bulge. He was also captured by Germans, but later rescued by American forces after German troops retreated from their positions.[5]
Independent Charter Schools Located within CVESD Boundaries
^-Tidbits- From & About Local Schools(PDF). Chula Vista Elementary School District. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2018-05-04. Retrieved 2018-05-04 – via University of San Diego. Fleming, Omari (9 December 2014). "Councilwoman Mary Salas Sworn in as First Latina Chula Vista Mayor". KNSD. San Diego. Retrieved 3 May 2018. Joseph Casillas Elementary School was named after her uncle, a POW known for his community involvement. Ramirez, Nora; Zambrano, Rene. "Joe David Casillas". U.S. Latino and Latina World War II Oral History Project. University of Texas. Retrieved 3 May 2018. A school is named after one of his brothers, Joseph Casillas. He was a true hero in the war. He received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and other awards. Casillas saved his entire squad near Schmidt, Germany. In saving them, he put his life on the line. He endured gunshots to the head and arm and was captured by the Germans for a day. His division picked him up once the Germans evacuated the bunkroom. After a series of surgeries, he survived. A high school in Chula Visa, California was named in his honor.[permanent dead link]
