Superintendent's Weekly Message

February 14, 2024

Dear Hollister High School parents, students, staff and community:

Partnerships with our community are key to the success of Hollister High School and the San Benito High School District. From civic organizations to law enforcement and local businesses, these connections and collaborations benefit our campus in a variety of ways.

Shaping The Campus

One such example is Marcus Building Systems, a Hollister-based general contracting firm that has helped shape Hollister High School’s growing campus over the past decade. Founded by Baler alumnus Don Marcus and his wife, Kristy in 1985, the company has played a role in the construction of the Rajkovich Agriculture Barn, the Steve Delay Career Technical Education Building, the recently-completed Maintenance, Operations and Transportation facility and the adjacent storage building, as well as the Student Union/Cafeteria now under construction near the corner of Nash and West streets.

Building Opportunities

Working with the District “has been really fulfilling,” said Rich Marcus, a 1996 Hollister High School alumnus who now runs the business with his sister Dana (Marcus) Hearne, a 1994 alumna. “It’s really special to our company and our family because of our long history in the community. Watching the school develop as it has over the last 10 to 15 years has been great to see. From what it was to where it is now, all of the additional programs that have been brought to the school through the administration’s vision. These new buildings and areas of campus have allowed more opportunity for students.”

The District’s long standing partnership with Marcus Building Systems has been a testament to our commitment to support local business partners, with whom we are so pleased to have built a trusting legacy that contributes to the overall health and vibrancy of San Benito County.

The District’s Chief Business Officer, John Frusetta, agrees that community connections are crucial on our campus. “Working with local businesses in our community not only aligns us with those who share a vested interest in our area, but also contributes to the economic growth of San Benito County,” he said.

Saving Time and Money

Specializing in pre-engineered steel buildings, Marcus Building Systems has allowed the District to build cost-effective and structurally-sound facilities in less time than traditional buildings, saving both time and money, according to District Maintenance, Operations, Transportation and Facilities Manager Kristy Bettencourt.

The structure of the student union, scheduled for completion this coming Fall, has been erected by Marcus Building Systems, working as a subcontractor for Blach Construction. Mr. Marcus said all of the pre-engineered steel components are in place, and his company will complete the roofing and wall portion of the project in the next few weeks, weather-permitting.

“We’d like to express our gratitude to the faculty and administration at Hollister High for their vision and ability to continue to develop the campus considering the amount of students they’re managing on a daily basis,” he said. “It’s created quite a special environment.”

Generational Connections

Mr. Marcus, a Hollister native, is proud to note that he is a fifth-generation San Benito County resident and that his daughter -- a Hollister High School freshman -- and son, who is a junior, are sixth-generation locals. 

“As we continue to be a part of this community and want to help it succeed and grow, we’re grateful to be part of the team that’s helped the school move forward,” Mr. Marcus said.

Partnerships like those with Marcus Building Systems are proof that together we can, together we will, build a brighter future for generations to come.

Sincerely,

San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennebaum