GGUSD Board of Education unanimously approves renaming of Rosita Elementary School to Frank and Irene Palomino Elementary School

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Garden Grove Unified School District’s (GGUSD) Board of Education unanimously approved the renaming of Rosita Elementary School to Frank and Irene Palomino Elementary School during its June 16 Board meeting, honoring the family whose courage helped end school segregation in California.

The Palomino family was one of five plaintiff families in the landmark 1946 Mendez et al. v. Westminster et al. case, which sued Garden Grove Elementary District (prior to unification), challenging the practice of segregating Mexican American students into separate schools. The case resulted in a federal court ruling that ended school segregation in California and later served as an important precursor to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

“This renaming honors the legacy of a local family whose bravery forever changed public education,” said Board of Education Trustee Walter Muneton who spearheaded the renaming initiative. “The Palomino family stood up for equal educational opportunities not only for their own children, but for generations of students who would follow. Their story embodies the values of courage, perseverance, and justice that we strive to teach our students every day.”

The renaming effort began in 2025 when GGUSD Board Trustee Walter Muneton connected district leaders with Andrew Palomino, grandson of Frank and Irene Palomino, to explore ways to honor the family's legacy. As district leaders learned more about the family's history, they discovered the Palominos' deep ties to the Rosita neighborhood.

For three generations, members of the Palomino family have lived on 7th Street directly across from Rosita Elementary School. Family members attended Rosita Elementary, Irvine Intermediate School, and Los Amigos High School, and members of the family continue to reside in the community today.

“Few places are more appropriate to honor the Palomino family than the school located directly across the street from the neighborhood they called home,” said Board Vice President Lan Nguyen. “Their fight for educational equality began here, and it is fitting that future generations of students will learn their story every time they walk onto campus.”

The Board's action followed an extensive community engagement process outlined in GGUSD Board Policy. To be considered for a school naming, individuals must have made significant contributions on behalf of the district, county, state, or nation; possess attributes or achievements that are inspirational to students; and have been deceased for at least two years. The process also requires community input and a public hearing which was held on June 2.

Surveys conducted among families, staff, alumni, and community members demonstrated overwhelming support for the renaming effort, with many respondents expressing pride in honoring a local family whose actions helped shape the future of public education.

During the community engagement process, many participants also noted that renaming the school while the adjacent Rosita Park retained its current name could create confusion due to their proximity and longstanding association. As a result, GGUSD is respectfully encouraging the City of Santa Ana to consider joining the district in honoring the Palomino family through a corresponding renaming of Rosita Park. Trustee Muneton and Andrew Palomino attended the Santa Ana City Council Meeting on June 2 and were met with unanimous support from the council for the park renaming.

The district expressed appreciation for Santa Ana Councilmember Thai Viet Phan, who previously shared her support for both the school and park renaming efforts and submitted a letter of support that was presented during a GGUSD Board Study Session in March.

“Renaming the school serves as a lasting tribute to the Palomino family's sacrifice and courage,” said GGUSD Board Trustee Teri Rocco. “Their story reminds us that meaningful change often begins with ordinary people who are willing to stand up for what is right. This renaming will connect Rosita Elementary School to an important piece of history and shine a light on the fight for equality for generations to come.”

The new school name will take effect beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The district will work closely with students, families, staff, alumni, and the Palomino family on future opportunities to celebrate the school's new identity and the family's enduring legacy.