DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Dixon Unified School District (DUSD) is excited to announce that Anderson Elementary students will be able to return home to Anderson Elementary this fall. DUSD has secured a power panel from the San Juan Unified School District (SJUSD), enabling Anderson Elementary School to receive temporary power until its new electrical panel is delivered. This critical development allows DUSD to plan for the return of Anderson Elementary students to their campus from their temporary locations at Tremont Elementary and Gretchen Higgins Elementary.

This past spring, DUSD ordered a new replacement power panel for Anderson Elementary, with an estimated lead time of 10 to 12 months. While this timeline remains in place, securing the temporary power panel from SJUSD is a significant win for Anderson students and families, as it accelerates the return to Anderson Elementary. Previously, the district estimated that students would not be able to return until the spring of 2025 or the beginning of the 2025/26 school year.

"After starting as Superintendent in July, my top priority was returning our displaced students, families, and staff back to their home at Anderson Elementary. We worked diligently over the summer to secure a temporary power solution to ensure that the Anderson Elementary community would not be displaced any longer than necessary," said Brett Barley, Superintendent of Dixon Unified School District. "Thanks to the support and generosity from San Juan Unified, we are hopeful that we can move students back to Anderson this fall, rather than waiting until next year. This is a tremendous achievement for our students and families."

"We want to thank the entire Anderson Elementary community for their support and perseverance these past few months while we worked to identify and resolve the electrical issues at the school," said Julian Cuevas, President of the Dixon Unified School District Board. "We also want to thank the Tremont and Gretchen Higgins Elementary School communities for welcoming Anderson students, families, and staff onto their school sites. These past few months have showcased for all to see the strength of the entire DUSD community."

“We are immensely proud of our teachers who, despite the challenges presented by the unforeseen electrical panel failure, demonstrated unwavering commitment to their students and families,” said Wes Besseghini, President of Dixon Teachers Association. “Their adaptability and dedication ensured that our students continued to receive a quality education, even while being relocated to different school sites. Their resilience during this time truly exemplifies our collective commitment to the Dixon community.”

“Our SEIU members went above and beyond to support students, staff, and families during this difficult period. From ensuring safe and seamless transitions between campuses to providing essential services that kept the school running smoothly, their hard work was instrumental in navigating this complex situation,” said Andrew Rathjen, President of Service Employee International Union Local 1021. “We are grateful for their dedication and proud of the crucial role our members played in maintaining a positive and productive learning environment for our students.”

DUSD hopes to announce a more definitive timeline for the move back to Anderson Elementary soon. The district is working to finalize the necessary arrangements for a safe and timely return. Parents, students, and staff will be kept informed of any further developments.