San Fernando Middle School -- a cornerstone for change

Established in 1896, San Fernando Middle School is viewed as a cornerstone of its community and a rite of passage for generations of residents who have passed through its halls.Connie Llanos in the Daily News.

Some traditions at the Valley's oldest campus are likely to end, however, as San Fernando finds itself on a list of 36 schools about to be taken over by outside operators.

In a last-ditch effort to improve performance at lagging campuses, Los Angeles Unified is putting them out to bid, a move that could result in San Fernando being converted to an independent charter, magnet or pilot school.