SLCUSD Study Session Agenda

Regular Board Meeting - Study Session ( Click Here ) Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM  District Office 1500 Lizzie Street - B3  San Luis Obispo, CA 93401   

Monday, Apr 13 2026

SLCUSD Family Communication

Family Communication News and Updates from the Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Update Dr. Eric Prater I hope this message finds you well and you are enjoying the spring season. I am grateful each day to serve such a caring, engaged, and resilient community. I’d like to share a few important updates and celebrations from across our district. Celebrating Student Creativity at SLOMA I am excited to invite you to attend a special student art installation hosted and curated by the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA). This inspiring exhibition features work presented by DPLA (Dedication, Purpose, Leadership Academy), a student leadership organization at San Luis Obispo High School that shares strong connections with our NextGen Scholars. We are also grateful to our San Luis Coastal Education Foundation, which is a proud sponsor of this event at no cost to attendees. Event Details: Friday, May 1 5:00 – 8:00 PM https://sloma.org/who-we-is/ SLOMA invites the public to experience this unique outdoor exhibition on the Museum lawn, showcasing powerful student work centered on identity, origins, and possibility. Through striking black-and-white photography, students use objects, places, and scenes as symbolic representations of who they are and who they are becoming. Each piece is paired with a personal prose reflection, offering insight into the artist’s past, present, and imagined future. This evening exhibition celebrates youth voice, storytelling, and the meaningful ways personal narratives shape our shared community. I hope you will join us in supporting and celebrating these remarkable students. Welcoming a New Leader: Ms. Petra Reynolds I am pleased to introduce Ms. Petra Reynolds as our new Executive Director for Student Support Services. Ms. Reynolds currently serves as Principal at Grover Beach Elementary School in the Lucia Mar School District and brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to student advocacy - especially for our youth who struggle with disability or multiple hardships. In addition to her professional experience, Ms. Reynolds is also a member of our San Luis Coastal community, with children attending C.L. Smith Elementary and Laguna Middle School. She has already begun her transition, working closely with our departing Executive Director, Ms. Janet Gould, to ensure continuity and a strong start. I would also like to take a moment to recognize Ms. Gould, who was recently honored as San Luis Obispo County SELPA’s High Impact Award Winner -  Administrator of the Year. This recognition reflects her outstanding service and dedication to students with diverse needs. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and lasting impact. Looking Ahead: Senate Bill 931 We are also encouraged by recent developments at the state level. Senate Bill 931, co-authored by Senator John Laird and Assemblymember Dawn Addis, represents an important step forward for our district and local partners. Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of hearing from many of you - board members, parents, staff, and community members - who have spoken passionately about the importance of sustaining strong schools in San Luis Coastal. One message has stood out: “Our schools are the heart of this community, and investing in them is investing in our future.” That shared commitment has helped elevate this issue and ensure our collective voice was heard. This bill proposes to provide five years of funding (2026–2030) aligned with the continued operations at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. During this time, PG&E and the state legislature will evaluate the possibility of extending the plant’s operation further and potentially restoring Unitary Tax revenues that directly benefit our region. If these efforts come to fruition, San Luis Coastal could restore critical reserves, reinstate previously reduced programs, and address long-standing employee compensation needs. This would represent a meaningful step toward strengthening our district for the future. I am truly appreciative of Senator Laird and Assemblymember Addis for recognizing the impact these issues have had on our schools and community. Their advocacy - combined with the ongoing efforts of our School Board, the Parent Information Network Group, and many engaged and concerned citizens - has made a significant difference in bringing this forward. I am optimistic about the path ahead and grateful for the collective effort that continues to support our students. Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and dedication to our students. It is an honor to serve alongside you in this remarkable community. With appreciation, Eric Educational Services Lisa Yamashita, Assistant Superintendent Recently, our school community has been buzzing with supportive initiatives, exciting performances, and outstanding recognitions. Earlier this month, on April 2nd, Lisa Yamashita, Erin Roberts, and Angela Ryals hosted an important Parent Conversations presentation (click here) focused on technology and Apple parental controls. The session thoughtfully explored the impact of technology on our children, providing parents with hands-on guidance for applications designed to monitor online activity. Importantly, it also offered actionable strategies to help protect children’s mental health in today's increasingly digital world. The focus on student engagement and talent continues on the stage, as Morro Bay High School’s Theater Department is thrilled to announce their production of Mamma Mia! The highly anticipated performances kick off on April 10th and will run for two weeks. We encourage everyone in the community to try and attend to show their support for this great show and the hard-working cast. Looking a bit further ahead, a beautiful evening of art, music, and giving back is scheduled for May 14th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at SLOHS located at 1499 San Luis Drive. Admission is free. A collaborative art show will showcase the creative talents of students from both SLOHS and LAMS. This inspiring showcase will run concurrently with a LAMS Choir concert and our Empty Bowls event at SLOHS, which raises vital funds for CAPSLO 40 Prado homeless shelter services. For a $20 donation, you will receive a handmade ceramic bowl, soup of your choice, dinner seating, and admission to the student art gallery. For more information, contact thoulle@slcusd.org. Amidst all these wonderful events, we also have a fantastic ongoing achievement to celebrate. Hawthorne Elementary School has officially been designated a Teach Kindness 2025-2026 Kind School! This special designation recognizes schools that are intentionally building cultures of kindness, belonging, and positive relationships for their students. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of the Hawthorne team as they continue to do the vital work of creating a warm environment where every student feels genuinely supported and valued.

Friday, Apr 10 2026

SLCUSD Board Meeting Agenda

Regular Board Meeting Agenda ( CLICK HERE ) Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.  (Following 4:00 Closed Session in Room B3)  District Office Complex - 1500 Lizzie Street - Room J2 San Luis Obispo, CA   **Please note the 4:30 start time**

Friday, Apr 03 2026

SLCUSD Family Communication

Family Communication News and Updates from the Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Update Dr. Eric Prater As we head into spring break, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support. The care and guidance you provide at home, combined with the work of our educators, plays a vital role in helping our students grow, learn, and feel supported. I also want to share a trend that is beginning to gain attention and may be reaching some students - particularly adolescents. Recently, I listened to a podcast about online “prediction markets” (such as Polymarket). These platforms allow users to place money on the outcome of real-world events, ranging from elections and sports to broader cultural topics. While they are often presented as interactive or educational, they function in ways that are very similar to gambling. Adolescence is an important time for developing decision-making skills, managing risk, and understanding consequences. Engagement with platforms like these can sometimes lead to: Increased interest in risk-taking or gambling-like behavior Viewing real-world events as “wins and losses” rather than complex issues Frustration, anxiety, or stress tied to outcomes Greater appeal for students drawn to competition or high-risk environments You may notice this coming up in conversations at home or in how students talk about current events. This can be a helpful opportunity to check in, ask questions, and encourage thoughtful discussions about online activity, decision-making, and responsible choices. As always, our goal is to work together to support students in navigating an ever-changing digital world with confidence and awareness. I hope this break provides time for rest, connection, and recharge for you and your family. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. Sincerely, Eric Educational Services Lisa Yamashita, Assistant Superintendent Sinsheimer Elementary Earns Gold for Schoolwide SEL Practices Congratulations to the entire staff at Sinsheimer Elementary on being featured in the recent CYBHI newsletter (Click here) from SLOCOE. This recognition highlights the outstanding work being done around Tier 1 and schoolwide social emotional learning practices (SEL). Their hard work is clearly paying off, not only in the significant decrease in referrals from last year to this year, but also in the positive culture and climate they continue to build at their school. These accomplishments are a testament to their dedication and commitment to their students and community. Parent Conversations: Technology and Apple Parent Controls Lisa Yamashita, Erin Roberts, and Angela Ryals will host a presentation for parents exploring the impact of technology on our children on April 2, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the District Office in Room J2. The session will provide hands-on guidance with applications designed to monitor online activity, while also focusing on actionable strategies to protect children’s mental health in a digital world. The presentation will cover: Is your child truly ready for social media? We'll go beyond "magic ages" to help you evaluate your child's digital literacy and resilience. Protecting their Peace: Understand the "Social Media Effect" and how to prevent "panic scrolling" and sleep displacement. Outsmarting the Loopholes: Your kids are clever - learn how to move past "unbreakable fortresses" and start better digital conversations instead. Mentor, Don't Just Monitor: Discover how to shift your approach from being a "digital cop" to a trusted mentor. We hope to see you there!

Friday, Mar 20 2026

SLCUSD Board Meeting Agenda

Regular Board Meeting Agenda ( CLICK HERE ) Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Los Osos Middle School Library  1555 El Moro Avenue, Los Osos, CA

Friday, Mar 13 2026

Message from the Superintendent

Dear San Luis Coastal Families and Staff, I wanted to share a personal update with our school community. After thoughtful reflection and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to retire as Superintendent of San Luis Coastal Unified School District in July 2027. By that time, I will have had the privilege of serving 17 years in San Luis Coastal and 34 years in public education in California. It has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life to work alongside such dedicated educators, staff members, families, and community partners in service of our students. I also want to share a personal note of gratitude. This community has helped shape, educate, and support my three sons over the years from Parent Participation to Cal Poly. Watching them grow in our schools, guided by caring teachers, support staff, coaches, and site leaders, has meant the world to my family and deepened my connection to San Luis Coastal in ways that go far beyond my role as superintendent.  Over the coming weeks, the Board of Education will begin the process of selecting an executive search firm to help lead the superintendent search. The firm will work with the Board to gather input from staff, students, families, and community members through surveys and engagement opportunities to help identify the qualities our community hopes to see in the next leader of San Luis Coastal. The Board expects to select the next superintendent in early fall 2026, with a start date of July 2027. This timeline allows for a thoughtful transition and meaningful onboarding so our next leader is well prepared to continue the important work underway in our district. Between now and then, my focus remains the same as it has always been: supporting our students, our staff, and our schools. I look forward to continuing this work together over the next year and helping ensure a smooth and successful transition for the district we all care so deeply about. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and for all you do each day to support the students of San Luis Coastal. With appreciation, Eric

Friday, Mar 13 2026

SLCUSD Study Session Agenda

Regular Board Meeting - Study Session Agenda ( click here ) Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM Pacific Beach High School 11950 Los Osos Valley Road San Luis Obispo, CA

Monday, Mar 09 2026

SLCUSD Family Communication

Family Communication News and Updates from the Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Update Dr. Eric Prater In recent days, many of us have been following news about escalating tensions and conflict in the Middle East, including developments involving Iran. At the same time, some families in our region are hearing about increased immigration enforcement activity. We recognize that events like these - whether happening across the globe or closer to home - can create uncertainty and concern within our community. Our San Luis Coastal community is diverse, and families may experience or interpret these events in very different ways. Some of our students may have personal or family connections to the regions affected by international conflict. Others may feel worried about loved ones serving in the military. Some families may be feeling heightened anxiety about immigration enforcement in our region. And many students are simply trying to understand what they are seeing and hearing through news coverage, social media, and conversations around them. While these issues are complex, one thing remains constant: our commitment to ensuring that every student in San Luis Coastal Unified School District feels safe, supported, and respected at school. Even when events occur far from home, the speed and intensity of modern news and social media can make them feel immediate and overwhelming - especially for children and adolescents. Students may experience a wide range of emotions, including worry, sadness, anger, confusion, or fear. Some may not fully understand what they are seeing but still feel unsettled by it. Our educators and staff are prepared to respond with care and professionalism if students raise questions or concerns. Conversations in classrooms will be handled thoughtfully and in age-appropriate ways. Staff will help correct misinformation, encourage respectful dialogue, and remind students that our school community values kindness, inclusion, and empathy for all people. For families, one of the most helpful steps is simply checking in with your child. Asking what they have heard and how they are feeling can open the door to supportive conversations. Reassuring them about their safety, maintaining familiar routines, and limiting excessive exposure to news and social media can also help reduce anxiety. Spending time together and focusing on positive activities can help children maintain a sense of stability during uncertain times. We also want to reaffirm that San Luis Coastal schools are places where every student is welcomed and valued. We expect all members of our community to treat one another with dignity and respect. Discrimination, harassment, or hurtful comments toward any group are not tolerated in our schools. If your child appears particularly distressed or you have concerns about how they are coping, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school counselor or site administrator. Our staff is here to partner with you to support your child’s emotional well-being. Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a caring, inclusive, and supportive community for all students. Have a nice weekend. Eric Educational Services Lisa Yamashita, Assistant Superintendent Secondary Engagement Report Board Presentation This last Tuesday, Dan Neff, Secondary Director will present to the Board on the progress of Secondary Engagement at the middle schools and high schools.  Each of our secondary schools offers a unique set of opportunities for students. From specialized programs to extracurricular choices, these schools are dedicated to providing environments where students can excel academically, socially, and emotionally. AVID Update Board Presentation Marci Beddall, our Secondary TOSA, and each of our AVID site representatives provided an update on the growth of our AVID class sizes, increased AP/Honors participation by AVID students and the exciting college trips each school site respectively has embarked upon.  

Saturday, Mar 07 2026

SLCUSD Board Meeting Agenda

Regular Board Meeting Agenda Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Following 4:00 Closed Session (Room B3) District Office Complex 1500 Lizzie Street - Room J2 San Luis Obispo, CA

Friday, Feb 27 2026

SLCUSD Family Communication

Family Communication News and Updates from the Superintendent's Office Superintendent's Update Dr. Eric Prater Welcome Michael Franklin, Jr., Incoming Principal of Morro Bay High School I’m thrilled to announce that following a region-wide recruitment effort, Mr. Michael Franklin, Jr. emerged as the top candidate to become the next principal of Morro Bay High School. Mr. Franklin was selected from a highly qualified pool of applicants following a rigorous application, screening, and interview process. This process included engagement with school staff, students, district leadership, and final interviews with myself and the Executive Cabinet team. I want to express my appreciation to all who participated in this effort.W Mr. Franklin is entering his 21st year in education, including the past 13 years as a school administrator. Throughout his career, he has taught and served in leadership roles at every level of the K–12 public school system. Born in Los Angeles, raised in Baltimore, and professionally shaped in Arizona, Mr. Franklin brings a broad and deeply informed perspective to education grounded in diverse experiences, communities, and school contexts. His personal and professional journey has cultivated a wide lens through which he views both education and the world around him. He is supported by his wife and two children, whose encouragement and partnership allow him to fully invest in his leadership, service, and commitment to the communities he serves. Mr. Franklin will succeed retiring Principal Scott Schalde, who has been an outstanding steward of Morro Bay High School over the past five years. This spring, Mr. Franklin will engage in ongoing collaboration with district and site personnel to ensure a smooth transition into the role, officially beginning on July 1, 2026. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Franklin to Morro Bay High School and the SLCUSD community! Elementary After-School Robotics Program We are excited to share the recent launch of a new elementary after-school robotics program, made available to all ten district elementary schools through the support and partnership of the San Luis Coastal Education Foundation. As a pilot expansion of the Foundation-supported Athletics for Achievement program, the after school robotics program offers students a hands-on, team-based alternative to traditional sports while building problem-solving, collaboration, and early STEM skills. Now midway through the first season, participating schools are already seeing students - many for the first time - discover new interests and aptitudes in robotics through designing, building, and programming together. This program reflects the district and Foundation’s shared commitment to expanding free, high-quality after-school opportunities that help students develop future-ready skills in engaging and inclusive ways.  City of SLO Launches the Belonging Project The City of San Luis Obispo is launching The Belonging Project with their first event, Knowing Our Neighbors, happening on Wednesday, February 25 from 6 - 7:30 pm. The Belonging Project is a free, community-facing public series designed to create spaces where people can come together to learn, share, and build stronger connections across our community. At its core, this work is about helping San Luis Obispo continue to be a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to participate fully in civic and community life. This series is intentionally community-driven and open to all. It will include workshops, open dialogues, and educational sessions led in partnership with local organizations, students, storytellers, and subject matter experts. Topics will vary, but each session will focus on reducing barriers, increasing understanding, and offering practical tools that individuals, businesses, and organizations can use in their everyday work and lives. As I reflect on the leadership transitions, new student opportunities, and community partnerships highlighted above, I am reminded how fortunate we are to live and learn together in San Luis Coastal. Ours is a community that values public education, supports innovation, and shows up for one another. Whether welcoming new leaders, expanding opportunities in robotics, or participating in conversations that strengthen belonging, we continue to demonstrate what is possible when schools and community move forward together. Thank you for your ongoing partnership, trust, and shared commitment to our students - it is a privilege to serve alongside you in this extraordinary place we call home. Warmly, Eric Business Services Ryan Pinkerton, Assistant Superintendent SLO Food Bank Hunger Relief Network SLCUSD Food & Nutrition Services is proud to partner with SLO Food Bank to help address food insecurity in our community. Through the donation of surplus food from our school meal program, the district has provided nearly 24,000 pounds of food to support partner agencies across San Luis Obispo County. We are grateful to our Food & Nutrition Services team for their commitment to reducing waste and making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors. In a recent letter of appreciation, CEO Molly Kern shared: “When someone receives food - whether it’s a family loading groceries into their car at the Neighborhood Food Distribution, a homebound senior receiving weekly nourishment from our home delivery program, or a student picking out produce at the Children’s Farmers’ Market - the relief they feel is profound. Your compassion allows neighbors to focus on work, school, and family, empowering their lives and futures with hope and stability.” - Molly Kern, CEO, SLO Food Bank Educational Services Lisa Yamashita, Assistant Superintendent It has been an exciting and productive week for our school community, highlighting both outstanding individual achievements and wonderful collaborative events. We are thrilled to celebrate Christopher Martinez Maravilla, a sophomore AVID and NextGen Scholar, who was recently named Toyota of SLO’s Youth of the Month. Nominated by AVID I instructor Faye Padachyee, Christopher has earned an impressive cumulative weighted GPA of 4.37. In recognition of his hard work, he was awarded a swag gift bag and a brand-new iPad. On Tuesday, February 24, the combined SLOHS and LAMS Vocal Music Departments invite the community to their annual “Sounds of Spring” choral concert. Hosted in the SLOHS Theatre, the event will feature two free performances at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., each lasting about an hour. Audiences will be treated to a diverse program—ranging from Classical Latin texts and Art songs to Folk songs, Americana, and a Musical Theatre Showcase. The concert features ensembles from both Laguna Middle School and San Luis Obispo High School, including the Lancer Choir (61 students), Vocal Arts (43 students), Chamber Singers (12 students), and Musical Theatre (27 students). The evening will culminate in a spectacular 143-voice combined performance of “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman. Supporting all of these enriching student programs requires careful planning and transparency, which was the focus at this week’s Board meeting. Lisa Yamashita, Stephanie Shepherd, Caty Ecklund, and Daniel Neff provided a mid-year report of the 2025-26 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). This presentation fulfills the state requirement that all local educational agencies share available mid-year outcome, expenditure, and implementation data regarding their current LCAP by February 28. These updates ensure that our community remains informed about our ongoing investments in student success and district goals.

Saturday, Feb 21 2026