Superintendent's Weekly Message

September 20, 2023

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

We appreciate the more than 75 community and staff members who provided feedback during San Benito High School District’s town halls at Hollister High School on Aug. 30 and 31. More than 500 comments were collected in Spanish in English across six areas of focus regarding the need for a second high school, as attendees participated in an activity in which they were asked to share their priorities for a new campus. Our collection of feedback is just getting started, as we continue to offer opportunities to learn and ask questions about the planning and preparation for a second high school in the District. 

Top Comments

The top 10 priorities identified at those sessions in the Davis Library were led by the desire for a welcoming, positive, caring and inclusive school culture. The need for windows, natural light and well-lit classrooms was pointed out frequently, as was the desire for a second high school to have a high level of academic rigor, and a variety of educational and extracurricular opportunities for students.

Commenters noted that it would be important for students and staff to interact and collaborate in the learning process, and a number of responders want to see athletic facilities at a new school. Town hall participants want students to have multiple pathways to pursue academic achievements, including career technical education and the trades, dual enrollment in college courses, and through an international baccalaureate program.

A safe and secure campus is a priority of many respondents, as is a well-managed traffic flow for the drop off and picking up of students before and after school. Other common responses on the wish list for a new high school included performing arts spaces and natural landscaping.

Priority Focus Areas

Over the two nights of town halls, six focus areas emerged: values and programs; facilities; biophilia/nature; safety; food and technology. A welcoming and inclusive school culture, as noted above, was cited as priority for a second high school, as were academic rigor and opportunities for students to collaborate and engage.

Facilities

Among the athletic facilities mentioned on participants’ wish lists were a gym, stadium, basketball courts, turf playing fields, a pool and a track. Town hall attendees also listed performing arts spaces, a state-of-the-art library, CTE shops, a robotics facility and labs, and large, open classrooms and walkways with plenty of space for students to move around and learn.

It’s Natural

Naturally well-lit classrooms were often cited as a preference at a new high school, along with plenty of trees, plants and green, open spaces. Respondents also called for outdoor learning spaces for students.

Safety and Security

A safe and secure learning environment -- perhaps in an enclosed campus -- was a common wish, along with adequate and convenient parking. Safe and easy access for bicycle and pedestrian traffic was another item on the list.

Nutrition

Commenters cited the need for a new campus to have a large, central cafeteria that could accommodate all students, and a menu of healthy, tasty and fresh food, preferably made from scratch. In addition to a cafeteria, people called for food carts, snack bars and a food court, as well as a student union or quad area. Some respondents would like students to have the option to have diverse food options, including vegan and vegetarian items.

Technology

During the feedback activity, classrooms that are well-equipped with technology was listed as a priority in a second high school, along with better internet and WiFi access, a modern public address system and technology-focused learning.

Next Steps

Following the community town halls, which were held at the end of August, this month we began a series of 10 K-8 Listening and Awareness Sessions at local elementary school sites, starting at Rancho Santana last week, continuing this week at R.O. Hardin Elementary and continuing on Sept. 27 at Cerra Vista School. We’ll visit other campuses through November, allowing our community to learn about the specific need for a new high school and giving attendees a chance to share their priorities for that new campus. Upcoming listening and learning sessions are scheduled at Rancho San Justo, Calaveras, Southside, Maze, Sunnyslope, Ladd Lane and Hollister Dual Language Academy. We plan to visit other schools and community locations as the year progresses, and we want to remind you that all of the sessions are open to anyone, whether or not they have students at those elementary schools.

I am proud that so many San Benito County residents are invested in the process of developing a new school to meet the needs of our growing community. I look forward to receiving additional feedback on what you would like to see in a new campus, so if you’re unable to attend and fill out the comment and question cards that we provide, please fill out an electronic version of it by clicking here.

Together we can, together we will, build a brighter future for all of our students!

Sincerely,

San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum