Since its start in 1999, the BARR model has grown into a nationally recognized approach used in 24 states and more than 375 schools, supporting the success of over 360,000 students.

Now in its ninth year of implementation, SJHS continues to excel in the BARR program. With a school-wide focus on positivity, collaboration, and student success, SJHS is leading the way in supporting the whole student. From strength-based Block Meetings to engaging I-Times and Community Connect sessions, staff consistently work together to meet student needs. The 9th grade BARR team continues to implement program fidelity. The team has recognized over 200 ‘student of the week’, written over 250 ‘encouraging postcards’, delivered over 600 I-Time lessons, and continues to focus on decreasing failure as they strive to reach every student. Site administrators are actively involved in BARR meetings, which ensures seamless communication and aligned leadership.

BARR Coordinator, and now Assistant Principal, Fidel Salcedo and the Ninth Grade BARR team have played a key role in strengthening each element of the program. Their dedication has earned SJHS national recognition. Recently, during the 2024-2025 school year, their efforts were recognized on the national stage, as they earned the BARR Center Accreditation of Schools. SJHS was the only high school in California and one of just eight schools nationwide honored at last year’s BARR Conference in Rancho Mirage.

Congratulations to Mr. Salcedo, who will join the High School Panel at this year’s BARR National Conference in Rancho Mirage, where once again he will have the opportunity to showcase San Jacinto High School’s impactful journey.

SJHS exemplifies how a consistent, compassionate, and collaborative approach to BARR can transform school culture and outcomes. “We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone with you. Your school serves as a model for others across the country, demonstrating what is possible when a whole school community comes together around a shared vision of growth and excellence,” shared BARR Center Founder and Executive Director Angela Jerabek.

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Jessica Tapia will receive $360,000 in a settlement with the Jurupa Unified School District in Riverside County, as reported by The Press-Enterprise.

She was placed on administrative leave in 2022 and fired in 2023 after “refusing to abide by state law prohibiting discrimination against transgender and gender-nonconforming students,” as reported by Patch. Tapia said the policies are incompatible with her Christian faith.

“I chose to stand for truth and my religious beliefs by informing my school district that I would not comply with their directives that would require me to lie to my students about their gender, lie to their parents about that information and allow boys into my girls’ locker room,” Tapia said in a social media post announcing the settlement.

In a statement to The Press-Enterprise, district spokesperson Jacqueline Paul said “the district has not admitted any fault or wrongdoing as part of this settlement.”

“The decision to settle this case was made in conjunction with the district’s self-insurance administrators and in the best interest of the students, such that the district would be able to dedicate all of its resources and efforts to its student population regardless of their protected class,” the spokesperson added.

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