Students attend a carnival in celebration of Central Elementary School in Imperial Beach on May 21, 2026. The school will close at the end of this school year. Photo: Zoë Meyers for inewsource(courtesy)
Girls in different-colored tutus tangoed with boys in black bow ties across a cafeteria stage at Central Elementary as families, alumni, former staff, and others gathered to honor the Imperial Beach school’s legacy.
After nearly 75 years of serving students, the school will close next month. Last year, board members at the South Bay Union School District voted to shut down the campus and two others amid declining student enrollment and financial challenges.
But for some, Central Elementary is more than just a school.
For sixth grader Jace Sipa, Central is where he felt safe enough to step out of his comfort zone, he said during his speech at the ceremony last week.
“Even though our school is closing… a part of Central will always be with us,” Sipa said.
After 75 years of serving the community, the doors at Central Elementary are scheduled to close permanently this June.
The event honored several staff members, including some who have worked at the school for about 30 years and taught the children — and even grandchildren — of students they once taught.
District leadership was among the few given a brick from the school building, framed to keep as a thank you for their work and dedication.
After the ceremony, students played mariachi music just outside the cafeteria as attendees mingled.
Some families said they’re still upset over the district’s decision to close the campus, noting a lack of enthusiasm in their children since they heard the news. But some students said they feel better knowing that they will see a couple of familiar faces at their new school, including friends and staff from Central.
At the back of the school, students played carnival games while eating cotton candy and popcorn. A few teachers played alongside students.
