Annual Report to the Community 2022-2023

Message from the Superintendent

Dear San Luis Coastal USD Community,

I am extremely proud to present the San Luis Coastal Unified School District Annual Report to the Community. This document offers an opportunity for us to look back on the 2022-23 school year and the progress of our amazing students and staff, while also providing a look into what’s in store for our education community.

At SLCUSD, our motto is “All Means All” meaning that all staff members focus on success for all students. We take pride in the support and opportunities we provide to our students so that these words come to life every day. While the past few years have been the most difficult and challenging years we have ever experienced in public education, we are awed by the resiliency our students and staff members have exhibited during and coming out of the pandemic.

As we continue to experience more normalcy in our teaching and learning, one of our goals is to connect with and re-engage our wonderful community through effective communication. The purpose of this document, which will be an annual effort going forward, is to provide our community with some basic information about who we are as a school district, and offer a glimpse into our incredible schools, programs and services.

I hope you will take a moment to read through our Annual Report, and I encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions on how we can improve.

Sincerely,

Eric Prater, Ed.D., Superintendent

San Luis Coastal School District Leadership Team

Diane Frost Assistant Superintendent Educational Services

Ryan Pinkerton Assistant Superintendent Business Services

Caty Ecklund Director Fiscal Services

Erin Primer Director Food Services

Dan Block Director Human Resources

Jeremy Koellish Director, Information Services & Technology

Rick Mayfield Elementary Director Instructional Services: Learning & Achievement

Leslie O’Connor Secondary Director Instructional Services: Learning & Achievement

Janet Gould Director Student Support Services

Chris Bonin Director, Buildings, Grounds & Transportation

Board of Trustees

San Luis Coastal Unified is recognized as one of the finest districts in California, thanks to the efforts of our Board, students, staff, and community. We are proud of the District’s accomplishments, and we look forward to sharing them with you. We welcome your comments directly or invite you to join us at one of our open meetings.

Learn more about the Board of Trustees here: https://www.slcusd.org/about/board-of-trustees

Trustee Area 5

Ellen Sheffer, President esheffer@slcusd.org

Our Vision

San Luis Coastal Prepares each student for a life of purpose. Our students become courageous and creative thinkers. They are college and career ready, skillful collaborators, and productive contributors to a diverse and rapidly evolving world.

Our Mission

San Luis Coastal Unified School District educates students through rigorous, relevant, and engaging experiences provided by caring, connected staff with support of the entire community.

Our Core Principles & Values

The District identified the following six core principles to illustrate their values and commitment to students, staff, families, and the community as a whole. The School Board and District staff will use these principles as a guide to decision-making for the District’s future.

All Means All

Trustee Area 1

Marilyn Rodger, Clerk mrodger@slcusd.org

All staff focus on success for all students. There are many pathways and opportunities for students to learn, achieve, and celebrate their intellectual, creative, personal, and future success.

High Expectations

Trustee Area 2

Robert Banfield robertbanfield@slcusd.org

Expectations for students, parents, and staff are clearly defined, understood, and shared. Students, parents, and staff are empowered, supported, and provided training and professional development opportunities to meet expectations. SLCUSD creates learning environments that empower students to take ownership over their learning in order for them to find purpose, meaning, and joy in their education and to excel beyond high school.

Respect and Integrity

Trustee Area 3

Chris Ungar, President cungar@slcusd.org

Communication and interactions among and between students, staff, and parents is defined by mutual respect, trust, empathy, and support. SLCUSD strives to create a safe space for students to learn about themselves, other people, and the world around them.

Collaboration and Civil Discourse

Trustee Area 4

Mark Buchman mbuchman@slcusd.org

The organization works collaboratively and creatively to ensure student success in a supportive environment. Decisions are made with stakeholder input and participation. Critical thinking, collegial dialogue and civil discourse around challenging problems are expected. Successes are recognized and celebrated.

Culture of Care and Safety

Trustee Area 6

Eve Dobler-Drew edoblerdrew@slcusd.org

Schools and all district work sites are safe and secure environments for students, parents, and staff. SLCUSD focuses on the social-emotional needs of our students, values students’ voices, and creates nurturing and inclusive school communities. Students, staff and families are compassionate school community members.

Continuous Improvement

Trustee Area 7

Brian Clausen bclausen@slcusd.org

Staff, students, and parents collaboratively evaluate progress using multiple, reliable measures, and make changes when necessary.

Our Schools

Elementary Schools—

Baywood Elementary (E: 348)

1330 9th St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93402

Phone: 805.534.2856

https://ba.slcusd.org/

Dual Language Immersion Program Offered

Bishop’s Peak Elementary (E: 369)

451 Jaycee Dr., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Phone: 805.596.4030

https://bp.slcusd.org/

C.L. Smith

Elementary (E: 465)

1375 Balboa St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Phone: 805.596.4094

https://sm.slcusd.org/

Del Mar Elementary (E: 290)

501 Sequoia St., Morro Bay, CA 93442

Phone: 805.771.1858

https://dm.slcusd.org/

Hawthorne

Elementary (E: 430)

2125 Story St.,

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Phone: 805.596.4070

https://ha.slcusd.org/

Los Ranchos Elementary (E: 450)

5785 Los Ranchos Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Phone: 805.596.4075

https://lr.slcusd.org/

E = Enrollment

San Luis Coastal Unified School District represents the communities of Avila, Edna Valley, Los Osos, Morro Bay, North Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo and currently has an enrollment of approximately 7,500 students. Small neighborhood schools are a hallmark of the District where students are educated from preschool through twelfth grade, and a world-class adult school program offers unique, life-improving courses to thousands of community members.

Monarch Grove

Elementary (E: 331)

348 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos, CA 93402

Phone: 805.534.2844

https://mg.slcusd.org/

Pacheco

Elementary (E: 482)

261 Cuesta Dr., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Phone: 805.596.4081

https://pa.slcusd.org/

Dual Language Immersion Program Offered

Sinsheimer

Elementary (E: 371)

2755 Augusta St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Phone: 805.596.4088

https://si.slcusd.org/

Teach

Elementary (E: 167)

145 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Phone: 805.596.4100

https://te.slcusd.org/

Middle Schools—

Laguna Middle School (E: 789)

11050 Los Osos Valley Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Phone: 805.596.4055

https://lams.slcusd.org/

Los Osos Middle School (E: 539)

1555 El Moro Ave., Los Osos, CA 93402

Phone: 805.534.2835

https://loms.slcusd.org/

High Schools—

Morro Bay

High School (E: 795)

235 Atascadero Rd., Morro Bay, CA 93442

Phone: 805.771.1845

https://mbhs.slcusd.org/

Pacific Beach

High School (E: 78)

11950 Los Osos Valley Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Phone: 805.596.4023

https://pbhs.slcusd.org/

San Luis Obispo

High School (E: 1644)

1499 San Luis Dr., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Phone: 805.596.4040

https://slohs.slcusd.org/

San Luis Coastal Adult School (E: 1,112)

1500 Lizzie Street H2

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Phone: 805.549.1222

https://ae.slcusd.org/adult-education

Our mission is to meet the diverse educational needs of our community by empowering lifelong learners to reach their professional, personal, and family goals.

We offer classes from the following programs online:

• High School Diploma/Equivalency

• High School Equivalency for Spanish Speakers

• Lifelong Fitness

• Parent Education

Demographics and Enrollment

Student Population by Ethnicity

DEMOGRAPHICS

All data on this page is from the California Dashboard and California Department of Education (2022)

Summer Experience Offers Cool Enrichment to Beat the Heat

While some are taking well-deserved vacations during the June/July months, many SLCUSD staff members are hard at work planning and coordinating fun and challenging learning experiences for students at San Luis Coastal’s Summer Experience program. Billed as “not your traditional summer school,” Summer Experience allows all students to learn, grow, and actively engage in their development, in a flexible, safe, and supportive environment. Strong community partnerships support students with highly engaging, hands-on learning that encourages the development of innovative, problem-solving skills to confront real life challenges.

“Families love our Summer Experience program because it offers their children a safe place during the summer to learn and have fun,” said Jeff Martin, San Luis Coastal Unified School District Director of Summer Programs. “Kids also get to meet other students from other District schools, and our middle school students are introduced to a high school environment where they have access to things like our swimming pools, gymnasiums and state-of-the-art classroom facilities.”

The program (including meals, transportation and before/after school childcare) is free for any SLCUSD student entering first through eighth grade, and is offered at five District school sites. This year’s program runs June 15-July 28, and offers a multitude of academic and cutting-edge enrichment courses including Drone Operating, Computer Programming, Business Entrepreneurship, and Fine, Culinary, and Performing Arts. Courses are taught by SLCUSD credentialed teachers, as well as students from Cal Poly SLO and community members who have a passion and background in these particular areas. This year’s program has a record 1,675 students registered. For more information about Summer Experience, visit https://se.slcusd.org.

Budget

How Are Schools Funded?

The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) is how California funds public schools, with a focus on supplemental funding for high-needs students. The LCFF provides a base funding level connected to each district’s average daily attendance (ADA) and additional funding for low-income students, foster youth and English learners. In SLCUSD, we are fortunate to have property taxes that exceed the amount of money we would receive from the LCFF state funding. The state allows districts to keep excess property tax funds, making us a “Community Funded” district. This excess property amount has dropped dramatically over the past 5 years due to increased state funding, current projections have us $7.5 million in revenues over what we would receive from the LCFF.

Property taxes and the LCFF account for most of the District’s revenue, making up about 75% of the Districts’ general fund revenue. Another 17% came from state and federal aid for specific programs. This included state and federal onetime COVID Pandemic Relief funds. As shown in the chart (below right), over 80% of the District’s budget is spent on people (employee salaries and benefits).

The Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) is a planning tool used to set goals, plan actions, and leverage resources to improve student outcomes. The LCAP addresses the needs of all students, including specific student groups, and all districts must specifically address English learners, foster youth, and low-income students. In addition, the LCAP must address the state of California’s eight priority areas, and each school district’s spending plan must align to these priorities.

Annually, we invite our community, staff and students to participate in our LCAP planning.

To learn more go to: www.slcusd.org/about/lcap

Where the Money Comes From

Revenue Sources

Where the Money Goes

General Fund Expenditures

SLCUSD Facilities: A Reflection of Our Community’s Commitment to Education

Facilities: Measure D Projects

Thanks to the generosity of the local SLCUSD community, school facilities in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District have continued to improve dramatically, with upgrades that provide teachers and students with modern places to teach and learn, while also providing a sense of community pride. Measure C, a $349 million property tax bond measure passed by voters last November, will provide funding for badly needed security and classroom upgrades for all elementary and middle schools in Morro Bay, Los Osos and San Luis Obispo. These include leaky roofs, outdated classroom technology, inefficient HVAC systems, and disability access needs.

“Our community has entrusted us to spend school bond funds wisely and as promised on much-needed facilities improvements,” said Superintendent Dr. Eric Prater. “We understand our role as stewards of our community’s resources and trust and are committed to a transparent bond management process, and together with our Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee, we will continue to demonstrate that this trust is well placed.”

The SLCUSD community has already experienced most of the benefits from passage of the 2014 Measure D school facilities bond (passed with 72% approval). The $177 million bond addresses long-standing facility, technology, and infrastructure needs throughout the District, particularly at San Luis Obispo High and Morro Bay High School. Over the past 7 years, the District has been able to leverage and supplement bond funds through state matching grants, deferred maintenance funds, interest earned on bond funds, and developer fees to turn the $177 million into more than $200 million.

Measure D projects that are completed or near completion can be seen on the chart (right). We invite you to visit our website to see photos and learn more about how school facilities are being transformed throughout our District to benefit students, staff and community.

Morro Bay High Expenditures to date: $71,870,665

Completed Projects: Pool, tennis courts, track and fields, J wing (career technical education building), auto shop, old gym remodel, science wing remodel, quad, new student support center, new gym/wrestling room, band room/agriculture classroom, building B, and infrastructure improvements.

Under Construction: Buildings A and C

San Luis Obispo High Expenditures to date: $118,337,973

Completed Projects: New math building, building 300/career technical education, new gym remodel, old gym remodel/new band room, new pool and fields, new student support center/performing arts space, tennis court renovation, track and bleachers, and added temporary classrooms.

Under Construction: Buildings 100 and quad

Bishop’s Peak Elementary

Expenditures to date: $6,955,280

Completed Projects: New multi-purpose room: sports court, stage area, new kitchen/lunchroom, PE storage area, new student and staff restrooms. New security fencing, new offices, new nursing station, new classroom space, infrastructure upgrades, new fire alarm system, and new asphalt.

Expenditures to date: $5,747,662

Completed Projects: Administrative office remodel and expansion, front of school drop-off area improvements/ landscaping, security fencing, exterior painting campuswide, additional temporary kindergarten classroom, new main play structure, and new asphalt.

Bellvue-Sante Fe Elementary

Expenditures to date: $5,399,298

Completed Projects: Renovation of entire campus: new daylight modular buildings, new restroom building, new classroom layouts, new concrete walkways and landscaping. Main campus building received new paint, lighting, roofing, and new asphalt.

District Phone System

Expenditures to date: $2,479,628

New VOIP phone systems with intercoms were installed at all sites throughout the district.

WiFi

Expenditures to date: $449,583

Wifi drops throughout our school district were added to increase our ability to utilize technology throughout our campuses.

Baywood Elementary

Expenditures to date: $418,726

Completed Projects: New landscaping and security fencing, new sewer lines and connections, new interior walls and doors.

Del Mar Elementary

Expenditures to date: $730,059

Completed Projects: New paint, concrete, and new water lines installed throughout campus, and new playground.

Hawthorne Elementary

Expenditures to date: $187,680

Completed Projects: New playground and playground asphalt.

Monarch Grove Elementary

Expenditures to date: $262,612

Completed Projects: New sewer lines and connections, and some roofs replaced.

Pacheco Elementary

Expenditures to date: $257,406

Completed Projects: Minor roof repair, and new playground installed.

Sinsheimer Elementary Expenditures to date: $432,392

Completed Projects: New paint throughout, new security fencing, some roofs replaced, and new playground structure.

Teach Elementary Expenditures to date: $692,497

Completed Projects: Move to new location, new paint throughout, new eating area, new asphalt, and miscellaneous maintenance projects.

Morro Elementary Expenditures to date: $926,317

Completed Projects: New sewer lines installed, asphalt of parking and play areas replaced.

Sunnyside Elementary

Expenditures to date: $727,937

Completed Projects: New sewer lines installed, asphalt of parking and play areas replaced.

Laguna Middle

Expenditures to date: $50,511

Completed Projects: Office renovations, tennis court resurfacing, and new asphalt throughout.

Los Osos Middle

Expenditures to date: $1,255,583

Completed Projects: New sewer lines and connections, new fire alarm system, new asphalt throughout, and several roofs replaced.

Pacific Beach Continuation

Expenditures to date: $167,531

Completed Projects: New paint and flooring in classrooms, new classroom furniture and technology, and landscaping and walkway improvements. http://measured.slcusd.org http://slcusd.org/about/measure-c

C.L. Smith Elementary

MBHS new pool

New student support center

New lunch area

New security fencing

New landscaping/walkways

Elementary Athletics— A Truly Unique Approach

Involving children in sports and athletics at an early age provides them with opportunities to engage in physical activity, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and builds self-confidence. In the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, youth athletics are a vital part of the educational experience, offering a wide range of sports and activities to suit every age, interest, and ability level.

High school athletics in the District have long been a point of pride for the local community. To broaden what the District offers for its students, the much-anticipated Elementary Athletics program began this past fall. All ten elementary schools now have the opportunity to participate in a variety of seasonal sports, which creates a more equitable environment for students who otherwise might not have access to outside club sports.

“Our programs happen during the week and on our own school campuses which is much more convenient for our families,” said Marci Beddall, Secondary Teacher on Special Assignment for the SLCUSD. Beddall, who previously was Athletic Director and Head Girls Volleyball Coach at San Luis Obispo High School, said that the program has many other direct benefits as well. “We know that those students who are better engaged in school (athletics or otherwise) are more likely to succeed academically. It gives children another reason to want to do well in school.”

At the elementary school level, students clamor to participate in a variety of sports and activities, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, flag football, track, and cross country. Each school competes against other schools in the District, with 300 young athletes participating in the winter sports season alone. These programs are designed to introduce students to the basics of each sport while also promoting physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.

The program also provides a unique opportunity for the community to be involved in local schools. For example,

Cal Poly SLO has a program through AmeriCorps that encourages college students to volunteer time in SLCUSD elementary schools in exchange for college tuition assistance. “We had approximately 40 Cal Poly students who committed 450 hours of volunteer time this year,” said Beddall. “Some are coaches, some help in the classroom, some referee and receive instruction on how to do it. This is truly a unique community project.”

The Safe Sports Policy

SLCUSD is serious about ensuring that all students have the ability to participate in our athletic programs in safe, healthy and positive ways. The “Safe Sports Policy” outlines and promotes the District’s safety policies and procedures around athletics so that everyone (students, staff, walk-on coaches, families and volunteers) has clear expectations regarding their roles and responsibilities. It includes guidelines around social media, staff/student contact, and codes of conduct. “I am proud of our district because we aren’t just talking about safety,” said Superintendent Dr. Eric Prater. “We are doing concrete things to ensure that each of our student athletes is and feels safe.” For more information about Athletics and the Safe Sports Policy, go to:

https://www.slcusd.org/athletics/student-athletes

“We are doing concrete things to ensure that each of our student athletes is and feels safe.”

Career Technical Education Provides 21st Century Skills

The San Luis Coastal Unified School District (SLCUSD) has made it a consistent priority to provide students with unique, yet diverse opportunities to help prepare students for a successful future.

SLCUSD’s comprehensive Career Technical Education Program (CTE) offers a wide range of programs in 28 different fields or pathways, including healthcare, engineering, agriculture, culinary arts, and more. These programs are designed to help students follow various pathways and explore and develop technical skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen career paths.

“We live in a special community where opportunities like these to provide students with such specialized education are extremely unique,” said Marci Beddall, Secondary Teacher on Special Assignment. “We have 28 different pathways between our two comprehensive high schools, and kids in these programs can graduate high school and go on to college or go directly into the

job market if they choose.”

The SLCUSD’s commitment to CTE is evident in the numerous awards and recognitions the District has received. In 2020, the District was named a California Distinguished District for its CTE programs, which were recognized for their focus on equity and access for all students. The District’s CTE programs have also been recognized by organizations such as the California Partnership for the 21st Century.

Thanks to the community’s passage of the Measure D Facilities Bond in 2014, SLCUSD has been able to build and

maintain world class facilities to house CTE programs at the high schools. “Our CTE facilities are incredible,” said Ryan Pinkerton, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. “These new facilities have instilled a sense of pride in our students, staff and community.”

Still, Beddall understands the importance of educators who prepare students with these skills everty day. “Our CTE teachers have specialized credentials through the State of California, and they are all required to have industry experience. While our facilities are incredible and the programs are carefully crafted, it’s the people, our amazing educators that make it go.”

“Farm to School” Model Gives Students High Quality Meal Options

You’ve probably heard of “farm to table” as a reference to restaurants that source their fresh ingredients from local farms, but how about “farm to school?” That is exactly what is happening at all 15 school sites in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, as a way to provide all students with nutritious, high quality, local food so they are better ready to learn and grow.

In 2017, the District intentionally shifted its focus to farm to school education and procurement of local foods. The Food and Nutrition Services program fostered relationships with local farmers, ranchers, bakeries, and fishermen to help students understand where their food comes from while also providing fresh, high quality school food.

Traditional school lunch programs rely heavily on processed meals that are low in nutritional value, and are shipped from central distribution centers. The Food and Nutrition Services program has received multiple

recognitions, including the coveted Golden Bell and Magna awards. The program is based on an “eat local” and “farm to school” model, resulting in fresh, nutritious meals that include plant-based options and student-created food. The “from scratch” meals include things like local Cal Poly cheeses and fresh-made pastas.

In addition, the program frequently brings local farmers and food producers to the school sites for educational opportunities, enabling students to learn more about their food culture and food system which fosters a healthy relationship with food in later life. When combined with a complementary curriculum, students learn real-world applicable skills. And by shifting the mindset about what a quality school meal program can be, freezer-burned chicken nuggets have made way for fresh, locally grown food products that kids actually want to eat. Bon appetit!

The district was named a California Distinguished District for its CTE programs.

All Means All — SLCUSD’s Commitment to Equity

“All Means All.” These three small words work together in a very powerful and purposeful way, and are what guide the work of all employees in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District. The District’s deeply seeded work in Equity and Inclusion is there to ensure that all students have access to the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their background or identity. SLCUSD has prioritized equity work in recent years, recognizing the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

“How do we help to create inclusive schools in our community? With lots of professional development,” said Rick Mayfield, SLCUSD’s Director of Elementary Learning and Achievement. The District brings in professional trainers including the Equity Institute (provided by the Association of California School Administrators) and Gender Spectrum, which assists educators to talk with students about gender in healthy, constructive ways including gender stereotypes.

“We want to make sure that this work gets into every classroom so that teachers have the tools they need and are empowered to impact kids every day. We create culturally relevant classrooms so that all kids feel safe, seen, and heard, and feel like they are a vibrant part of the community.”

Student voice and using data to drive these conversations are critical to this process. The Youth-Truth Survey is administered to students in grades 3-12. The annual survey provides real data regarding equity and other issues affecting children and youth, and helps to inform the committees’ recommendations. The Superintendent’s Student Senate gives energy to the survey process (see more information regarding Student Senate on back page).

The District also understands that schools do not operate in a vacuum, and that engaging the community in this work sends an important message to its students. Maggie Torres, Project Manager with Collaboration Business Consulting in San Luis Obispo, is part of the District’s Common Ground Advisory Task Force, which includes staff, students

and community stakeholders. The committee is charged with looking at issues that can occur in the schools and how to handle those issues from a community perspective. SLCUSD also has its own Equity Team made up of staff and community members who are committed to promoting equity and inclusion in the district. Torres said that she is impressed by the level of alignment among all the groups and initiatives that put everyone on the same page with the goal of moving the district forward.

“So much of this work provides all adults in schools (not just teachers) with action steps and strategies on how to interact with students so that they feel safe and feel a sense of belonging. School is a place where kids spend a majority of their day – and they need to feel safe. We also value involving our community in this effort to make them a part of the conversations to give the community and our families a voice.”

“All Means All!”

“We create culturally relevant classrooms so that all kids feel safe, seen and heard…”

San Luis Coastal Education Foundation — Supporting Education and Developing Next Generation Talent

Developing today’s talent for tomorrow’s jobs is a tall task, and one that can’t be tackled alone. That’s where community plays a significant role in the San Luis Obispo county region. The San Luis Coastal Education Foundation (SLCEF), started just four years ago, has already grown into a key player in ensuring that the San Luis Coastal education community is going above and beyond to prepare students to be active contributors to the local and regional economy.

SLCEF began as a result of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant closure settlement that included the establishment of a $10 million endowment to the San Luis Coastal Unified School District to create and expand a local education foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to “provide resources and opportunities for excellence in teaching, promote innovation in learning, and partner with the community to enhance the quality of education for all students.”

“It is about economic mobility, making sure that we are setting every kid up for success so they can compete and be healthy contributing members of our community,” said Christine Robertson, SLCEF’s Executive Director. “We are building next generation talent for next generation jobs. Whether you have kids in our schools or not, our schools are extremely relevant. And if we get it right, it will help us realize opportunity and prosperity in a much deeper and equitable way.”

The Foundation is a robust, yet very lean organization. Robertson is the only staff member, but works with a dedicated volunteer board of 20 SLCUSD parents, alumni, current and retired district staff, and a diverse array of local business and community leaders. Robertson says the Foundation is deeply connected to and integrated with the District and part of its role is to give K-12 education a seat at the table regarding issues that impact the economic vitality of the region.

“We care deeply about what happens with our kids when they are with us and when they leave our system. We want

them to be well-positioned to help this community thrive – that means we invest in them in ways that help provide a sense of social responsibility and an ability to identify needs and problems, coupled with the skills to develop solutions to help our amazing community move forward.”

For example, the Foundation recently invited 50 students (starting in 7th grade) to participate in a pilot program. These students, who may not have the financial means to pay for certain outside resources like the Advanced Placement exam or outside tutoring in a subject area, are provided with a $1,000 secondary scholarship. The students can apply the funding to any resources that can help them reach their goal while they are in the District. The Foundation is taking on 100% of the cost, and is also hiring a family liaison/counselor to work directly with families.

iINNOVATE Initiative

The Foundation participates in many capital investments – probably the most notable is the iINNOVATE Initiative that provides equitable access to innovation labs at every elementary school in the District. SLCEF made a $1 million investment to provide all elementary schools with the base level of resources that each school needs to get these labs up and running.

“Everything we do is because of our community’s support and investment in our kids. We invest in students and hopefully they will invest their time, talent and treasure back into our community when that time comes.”

To donate or learn more about the San Luis Coastal Education Foundation, go to: https://www.slcef.org/

To date, the Foundation (in its four years), has raised and committed over $2.4 million to support SLCUSD schools.

SLCUSD Student Senate Gives Young People a Voice

SLCUSD understands that preparing students to be the leaders of tomorrow means that they must feel empowered to be young leaders of today. The Superintendent’s Student Senate is one concrete way in which the District is giving students a voice in the decision-making process. The purpose of the Student Senate is to provide a platform for students to voice their concerns and ideas, and to work with district leaders to create positive change.

“Student Senate is helping to create a more positive and inclusive educational experience for all students.”

Managed by Superintendent Prater, the Senate is comprised of 80-100 students in grades 6-12. The group meets 6-7 times per year where representatives from each school can share their opinions and ideas on a variety of topics. These meetings provide a space for students to have their voices heard and to collaborate with their peers to identify solutions to issues facing their schools and the district as a whole.

Kaimana Kiaha, 12th grade student at San Luis Obispo High is in her second year on the Senate. “We discuss lots of issues and meet with school staff to help set goals, and they listen to us,” she said. “This provides more of a connection between students and staff, and they recognize that when suggestions are coming directly from the students, they can have an even bigger impact.”

By providing a platform for students to voice their concerns and ideas, the Student Senate is helping to create a more positive and inclusive educational experience for all students in the district.

“In the end we talk about school, what’s working and what’s not, and through this process we have influence.”

Safety at the Heart of All that We Do

We know, and research shows, that students who don’t feel safe at school can’t learn effectively. That’s why, in every SLCUSD school, safety is at the very heart of what we do. Every student and staff member deserves to be safe and supported at school, and while we believe that school is the safest place for them to be on any given day, we know that we can’t stop looking for ways to continue to enhance our health and safety measures.

From physical campus safety measures and protocols like fencing, security cameras and full-time school resource officers, to increased access to counselors and other mental health resources, to a comprehensive partnership with the national non-profit organization, Sandy Hook Promise, our highest priority is creating a safe school environment for everyone who steps foot on our campuses.

The following is a list of just some of the health and safety measures and protocols in place on our campuses. We invite you to contact your school if you have any questions, and thank you for supporting our efforts to ensure safe schools for all!

Social-Emotional Safety

• Full-time elementary counselors

• Staff training on social emotional learning in all classrooms

• Partnership with Sandy Hook Promise

– Start with Hello – Say Something / PROMISE CLUB (secondary in town)

• Culture and Climate Weeks

– The Great Kindness Challenge

– Be Unique / Ability Awareness Week

– Start with Hello

• Suicide Prevention Week

• Mental Health Awareness Month

• Counselors in the Quad

• Classroom visits at start of the year to introduce the counselor

• SAEBRS/mySAEBRS screening

2nd-8th

• Second Step / Leader in Me Lessons

• Contracts with local partners for therapeutic support for students

• Family Advocates

Physical Safety

• Utilizing measures D and C funds, the district has implemented or plans to implement the following:

– Security fencing at all schools with clearly defined ingress and egress locations

– Security cameras at all schools

– High tech phone systems

– Internal locking doors in all classrooms

– Lighted parking lots

• MOUs with local police and sheriff’s departments to provide full-time School Resource Officers

• Contracted with external agency (Resolute & Associates) to create a comprehensive safety and emergency crisis plan

• Ongoing professional training of all staff for emergency preparedness

• Partnership with County Office of Emergency Services for annual safety training

San Luis Coastal Unified School District Office: 1500 Lizzie Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Phone: (805) 549-1200 • https://www.slcusd.org/

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