La Mesa Elementary School

Why We Oppose This Project

This proposed housing development would demolish one of our two elementary schools, a critical educational resource—especially in a time of rapid housing expansion. Removing this school will strain our remaining elementary campus, reduce educational accessibility, and disrupt families who rely on a close, neighborhood-based school environment.

The project’s ripple effects extend beyond education. Both churches adjacent to the site will be forced to convert green space into parking to accommodate the project’s increased traffic. This will not only rob the community of open space but will also push these churches into unnecessary debt to fund parking renovations.

From a financial perspective, the project raises major red flags. Despite claims that no Measure M or general fund dollars will be used, the District is already burdened with hundreds of millions of dollars in debt, with plans to borrow an additional $50 million for the La Mesa project. Pursuing new developments before paying down existing obligations is fiscally reckless.

What can you do?

We’ve prepared ready-to-use template letters addressed to our three main representatives, plus preformatted No. 10 envelopes for quick, clean printing. All you need to do is print, sign, and mail.

It’s critical that we tell our representatives we want our elementary school restored, and that this project belongs on J Street — not in the Village. Every letter counts. When we act together, we are impossible to ignore.