San Diego School Expansion Plans Increase Parking Spaces to 90

The Planning Commission of Cathedral City convened on September 3, 2025, to discuss several key topics related to local educational facilities and community impacts. The meeting focused primarily on the expansion plans for a K-8 school, addressing enrollment trends, classroom capacity, and parking concerns.

Commissioner MacPhail initiated the discussion by referencing stable enrollment figures from the California Department of Education, noting a retention rate exceeding 90% for students progressing from grade to grade. The school currently operates with a maximum of 25 to 27 students per grade, with projections indicating a slight increase in enrollment over the next two years, particularly in the seventh and eighth grades.

The school’s existing infrastructure includes five preschool classrooms and nine K-8 classrooms, along with a multipurpose room. Plans for expansion include the removal of modular buildings and the construction of new facilities. Upon completion, the school will feature a total of 16 classrooms, including specialized spaces for art, music, and Spanish, as well as provisions for students with special needs.

A significant point of discussion was the parking situation on campus. Currently, the school has 27 parking spaces, which will increase to approximately 89 or 90 spaces after the expansion. This enhancement aims to alleviate parking issues that have led to parents and visitors utilizing street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of these developments for the community, particularly in addressing parking concerns and accommodating future student growth. The Planning Commission will continue to monitor the progress of the school’s expansion and its impact on local traffic and parking dynamics.