— First published May 2, 2025, 5:00 PM —
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CIF-SS responded to The Santanero's request asking about how many times CIF has sanctioned pubic and private schools. See update below.
SEGERSTROM HIGH — The Santa Ana Unified School District appeared to revise its public stance Wednesday regarding recent CIF sanctions against Segerstrom High School’s baseball program, issuing a third statement on Instagram that clarified student-athletes were not found to have committed any rule violations.
While earlier district communications focused broadly on program-wide infractions, the latest statement shifted blame to adults responsible for a “systemic issue” stemming from "eligibility processes."
“SAUSD acknowledges the CIF sanctions issued to Segerstrom High School's baseball program following an investigation into violations of CIF rules,” the statement read. “These violations centered on administrative decisions and procedural missteps—not on the actions or behavior of our student-athletes.”
On Tuesday afternoon, SAUSD officials met privately with Segerstrom parents and players. According to Chief Communications Officer Fermin Leal, details of the meeting will not be made public.
In a separate message sent to Segerstrom baseball families—undated and not publicly posted—Superintendent Jerry Almendarez elaborated on the district’s understanding of CIF’s rulings and reiterated support for affected student-athletes. The message stated that players impacted by enrollment errors would be allowed to complete the regular season, which ends May 7, as long as their records had been corrected.
“This decision is based on CIF’s recognition that students should not be punished for mistakes made by adults,” Almendarez wrote.
The message confirmed that the team remains ineligible for postseason competition, regardless of corrected paperwork, and that CIF denied the district’s request to host a non-competitive senior game to honor graduating players.
“Unfortunately, this means we are not permitted to schedule any additional games beyond the regular season, even informal or symbolic ones,” Almendarez added.
Almendarez said the district remains focused on supporting players through the enrollment correction process, advocating for future eligibility, and celebrating athletes within CIF guidelines.
CIF Southern Section responded Friday afternoon to The Santanero's request for data regarding sanctions to public and private schools.
"As noted above, the CPRA does not require the CIF-SS to create, compile, or summarize records in response to a CPRA request. Further, the CPRA does not require a public agency to respond to questions but rather requires the disclosure of nonexempt non privileged documents. Based on the CIF-SS’s good faith interpretation of [The Santanero's] request, the CIF-SS does not have documents responsive to your request."
The latest Instagram statement follows ongoing demonstrations by Segerstrom students and staff. As details surrounding the investigation remain undisclosed, students staged a third walkout protest Wednesday, marching approximately five miles across the city to SAUSD headquarters.
Protesters aimed to draw attention to the situation, with some seeking to pressure the district by disrupting attendance-based funding. The protest was part of broader student efforts calling for the reinstatement of Principal David Casper and Head Baseball Coach Erasmo Ramirez.
Petitions supporting Casper and Ramirez have gathered more than 2,220 and 1,900 signatures, respectively.
Protest activity on campus remains fluid, with participation varying from student organizations and athletic teams. Several teachers are now limiting their involvement in extracurricular activities, citing adherence to contract hours. As a result, afterschool tutoring, club meetings, and performances have been paused—reportedly with broad support from the Segerstrom student body.
How the CIF sanctions came to be remains unclear. Previously, The Santanero reported on rumors circulating among students, parents, and across social media platforms. However, none of these claims have been verified, as the district has released limited information regarding the investigation into Segerstrom High School.
On April 22, The Santanero filed a public records request with Santa Ana Unified, seeking the following:
- All communications (texts, emails, and hard copies) related to the CIF investigation at Segerstrom;
- The investigative report documenting CIF violations;
- Any future plans, including communications, involving the properties of Godinez Fundamental High School and Segerstrom High School.
Chief Communications Officer Fermin Leal responded on April 28:
“[The Santanero] asked for any records about ‘future plans (including communications) regarding the properties of Godinez and Segerstrom.’ At this time, there are no proposals—current or planned—to close, merge, or change the capacity of either school. Because no such plans have been proposed, described, or outlined at any level, we have no records to provide on this topic.”
The question regarding property was raised in response to a circulating rumor that the district might consider selling one of the school sites for budgetary reasons. Some community members have speculated that Segerstrom’s recent reputational challenges could accelerate such a decision, though no such plans have been proposed or confirmed, according to Leal.
As for the CIF-related request, Leal added:
“We are gathering the documents you requested concerning the CIF investigation and any related violations. Those records are now under review by our legal counsel.”
The district has not announced when, or if, the requested records will be released.
— First published May 2, 2025, 5:00 PM —
SEGERSTROM HIGH — The Santa Ana Unified School District appeared to revise its public stance Wednesday regarding recent CIF sanctions against Segerstrom High School’s baseball program, issuing a third statement on Instagram that clarified student-athletes were not found to have committed any rule violations.
While earlier district communications focused broadly on program-wide infractions, the latest statement shifted blame to adults responsible for a “systemic issue” stemming from "eligibility processes."
On Tuesday afternoon, SAUSD officials met privately with Segerstrom parents and players. According to Chief Communications Officer Fermin Leal, details of the meeting will not be made public.
In a separate message sent to Segerstrom baseball families—undated and not publicly posted—Superintendent Jerry Almendarez elaborated on the district’s understanding of CIF’s rulings and reiterated support for affected student-athletes. The message stated that players impacted by enrollment errors would be allowed to complete the regular season, which ends May 7, as long as their records had been corrected.
The message confirmed that the team remains ineligible for postseason competition, regardless of corrected paperwork, and that CIF denied the district’s request to host a non-competitive senior game to honor graduating players.
Almendarez said the district remains focused on supporting players through the enrollment correction process, advocating for future eligibility, and celebrating athletes within CIF guidelines.
CIF Southern Section responded Friday afternoon to The Santanero's request for data regarding sanctions to public and private schools.
The latest Instagram statement follows ongoing demonstrations by Segerstrom students and staff. As details surrounding the investigation remain undisclosed, students staged a third walkout protest Wednesday, marching approximately five miles across the city to SAUSD headquarters.
Protesters aimed to draw attention to the situation, with some seeking to pressure the district by disrupting attendance-based funding. The protest was part of broader student efforts calling for the reinstatement of Principal David Casper and Head Baseball Coach Erasmo Ramirez.
Petitions supporting Casper and Ramirez have gathered more than 2,220 and 1,900 signatures, respectively.
Protest activity on campus remains fluid, with participation varying from student organizations and athletic teams. Several teachers are now limiting their involvement in extracurricular activities, citing adherence to contract hours. As a result, afterschool tutoring, club meetings, and performances have been paused—reportedly with broad support from the Segerstrom student body.
How the CIF sanctions came to be remains unclear. Previously, The Santanero reported on rumors circulating among students, parents, and across social media platforms. However, none of these claims have been verified, as the district has released limited information regarding the investigation into Segerstrom High School.
On April 22, The Santanero filed a public records request with Santa Ana Unified, seeking the following:
Chief Communications Officer Fermin Leal responded on April 28:
The question regarding property was raised in response to a circulating rumor that the district might consider selling one of the school sites for budgetary reasons. Some community members have speculated that Segerstrom’s recent reputational challenges could accelerate such a decision, though no such plans have been proposed or confirmed, according to Leal.
As for the CIF-related request, Leal added:
The district has not announced when, or if, the requested records will be released.
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