About Our School District
Dear SMCJUHSD Community,
On behalf of the leadership and staff of the South Monterey County Joint Union High School District, it is my pleasure to welcome you back to school for the 2023-24 school year. It is an honor to serve as your Superintendent and to continue building on the core values of our district. The district’s focus this year is to create a stable learning and working environment for all, a place where students, families, and staff feel welcomed and engaged in their schools. We aim to strengthen our community and improve society. It is only by working together that we can build on the pride, history, and strengths of our community to meet the future needs of our society.
During the summer, we began several facility improvement projects. Most facility projects go unnoticed due to the nature of the project. However, this year we have a couple that we are excited to complete. GHS and KCHS painting projects started in mid-July and should be completed by December. We believe the facelift to the campuses will positively affect our students, staff, and the community. Additionally, the GHS Dugout project, four replacement dugouts, is in the final planning stages and construction should begin at the end of August.
This school year will be an exciting one, as we will be developing a new three-year plan, known as the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). There will be numerous opportunities for families, students, and staff to engage in the process by participating in our Community Forums that will happen during the year. Your feedback and input are critical in the development of our new LCAP and will shape our priorities for next year.
It is our goal to improve communication with all members of the community. We will be using multiple means for 2-way communication with all educational partners. As part of our efforts, you will see district administrators on campus and in the community. We encourage you to participate in parent forums at your child’s school site. Additionally, please keep an eye out for the Superintendent’s monthly newsletter in your email the fourth week of the month. It will also be available on the district website.
Another goal for this school year is to ensure that every student attend school regularly. Chronic absenteeism affects learning and opportunities for students to achieve academically. We are committed to supporting families, ensuring we understand the challenges they are facing so we can develop systems of support that will decrease absenteeism for our students. Families play a huge role in building self-confidence in students and encouraging them to attend school regularly. Together, as a community, we can make a difference by helping students understand that going to school every day is the key to academic achievement and future professional and economic success.
It is truly a privilege for me to open the 2023-24 school year as your Superintendent. I am honored to serve such a wonderful school district and community. Thank you in advance for your partnership in making this a successful school year.
Sincerely,
