October 14, 2026

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students and Community:

Strong partnerships create opportunities that extend beyond the school day and reach beyond our classrooms. At Hollister High School’s Baler Aquatic Center, our collaboration with the YMCA of San Benito County brings that commitment to life through swimming instruction, wellness activities, opportunities for our students to serve others, and events that bring families and neighbors together. At the Sept. 22 meeting of the San Benito High School District Board of Trustees, Mayra Zendejas, senior vice president of development and impact for YMCA Central Coast, and Xenia Murga, aquatics coordinator for YMCA San Benito County, presented the annual report on this partnership, which was established in February 2025. Their update highlighted how our campus pools serve students, families, employees and the broader community.

The YMCA’s swimming lessons provide opportunities for participants ages 3 months and older, from a baby’s introduction to the water to an adult developing greater confidence. Instruction progresses through water discovery and exploration, water acclimation and movement, and increasingly advanced swimming strokes and mechanics. This range of instruction helps participants build their skills at different ages and stages of development. The report’s monthly youth swim lesson participation totals included 113 for babies and toddlers, 1,359 for children ages 3 to 12, and 35 for teens ages 13 to 17. These figures reflect the reach of a program that makes learning to swim an accessible part of community life. Family feedback shared in the presentation illustrated the personal impact behind those numbers. As one parent explained, “My son grew so much in both skill level and confidence.” Helping someone feel more capable in the water is an accomplishment worth celebrating. 

An important part of this partnership is the YMCA’s commitment to reducing financial barriers. The report highlighted $19,945 in financial assistance provided to 255 families, supporting access to memberships and programs, including opportunities to learn swimming and water safety skills.Grant funding further supports that work. A YMCA of the USA grant provides funding for free swim lessons for 30 children from low-income families. A Community Foundation for San Benito County grant supports lessons for 50 children or adults at a cost of no more than $10 for a full month of instruction. These efforts reflect a shared priority: financial circumstances should not prevent someone from having the opportunity to learn an essential skill, build confidence and participate in community activities.

The Baler Aquatic Center also offers opportunities for exercise and recreation. The report identified 113 Baler Aquatic Center members with access to lap swimming, aqua fitness classes and family swim. Another 149 YMCA of San Benito County facility members expanded their memberships to include access to lap and family swimming at the center. Four Hollister High School employees were also identified as having access to the facility after school hours. Whether someone is swimming laps, participating in a fitness class or spending time in the water with family, these opportunities demonstrate how a school facility can support the well-being of the community it serves.

One especially meaningful aspect of the partnership is the involvement of our students and graduates. Eight Hollister High School students serve as lifeguards and/or swim instructors, and the report recognized five Hollister High School alumni who continue to serve their community. For our students, these roles offer opportunities to practice responsibility, communication and leadership while helping others. They are not simply watching the water or explaining a swimming technique; they are contributing to an environment where participants can feel supported and encouraged. The presentation included family comments recognizing team members for their patience, encouragement, attention to individual needs and commitment to safety. That feedback offers a meaningful example of the difference a caring instructor or lifeguard can make. 

The partnership also creates opportunities to connect outside of lessons and exercise. The YMCA highlighted family swim sessions and themed community nights, including Toddler Night, Teen Night and a special evening honoring first responders. A Flick N’ Float event featured in the report brought 125 community members together for a movie night in the pool. These experiences reinforce the value of the Baler Aquatic Center as a gathering place where families can enjoy time together and community members can feel a sense of belonging. I extend my appreciation to Ms. Zendejas, Ms. Murga and the YMCA of San Benito County team for their partnership and dedication. I also thank our Board of Trustees, district staff, and the students and alumni whose contributions help make these opportunities possible. Together, we are demonstrating what it means to be Baler STRONG: supporting one another, expanding opportunities and strengthening the connections between our school and our community. It's a reminder that every day is a great day to be a Baler!

Sincerely,

San Benito High School District Superintendent

Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum

The San Benito High School District Board of Trustees will fill its Trustee Area 2 seat by appointment following the close of the November 2026 election filing period. The term of the current Trustee Area 2 representative, Miguel Sahagun Jr., expires December 15, 2026. The seat was scheduled to appear on the November 2026 ballot; however, because no candidates filed for the election, the Board will appoint a community member to serve in the position. The San Benito High School District is now accepting applications from qualified residents of Trustee Area 2 who are interested in serving on the Board of Trustees.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Be a United States citizen;
• Be a resident of the San Benito High School District;
• Be a resident of Trustee Area 2; and
• Be a registered voter.

Application Deadline

Completed Application and Applicant Qualification Forms must be received by the District no later than noon on Friday, October 16, 2026.

Applications may be submitted:

In person:

• San Benito High School District Office, 1220 Monterey Street, Room 130
• Hollister, CA 95023
• Applications are accepted from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

By email:

ezendejas@sbhsd.k12.ca.us

Applicants submitting materials by email are responsible for confirming that the District has received their application. Applications received after the noon deadline on October 16 will not be accepted.

Selection Process

The Board anticipates meeting in an open session public meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, to review applications and interview applicants. Applicants should make themselves available to participate in the meeting. Following the interviews and discussion, the Board may appoint one of the applicants by majority vote. The appointed trustee will take office at the December 15, 2026 Board meeting and will serve until the next regularly scheduled election for District Board members in November 2028. The appointed trustee may seek election at that time.

Application Materials

The application, Applicant Qualification Form, Trustee Area map and additional information regarding the appointment process are available on the San Benito High School District website:

https://www.sanbenitohsd.gov/about/board-of-trustees



Application materials are also available at the District Office.

Questions regarding the appointment process may be directed to Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum at stennenbaum@sbhsd.k12.ca.us or (831) 637-5831, ext. 1132. Questions may also be directed to Board Clerk Trustee Patty Nehme at pnehme@sbhsd.k12.ca.us.

The San Benito High School District encourages qualified Trustee Area 2 residents who are interested in serving students, families and the broader community to consider applying for this opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees.

Striving, Thriving, Shining Bright