Salinas Union High School District

Community Schools

The California Community Schools Partnership Program has funded our 12 schools to expand and deepen our commitment to whole-child education across all schools. This five-year transformative investment builds on our earlier planning and implementation efforts and will support the district-wide adoption of the Community Schools model guided by the four key pillars:

Integrated Student Supports – We will build coordinated systems that address the academic, physical, social-emotional, and mental health needs of students and families. These supports will be informed by real-time data and community input to ensure all students have equitable access to services that allow them to thrive.
Family and Community Engagement – We will cultivate meaningful partnerships with parents, caregivers, and local organizations to co-create inclusive learning environments. This includes expanding opportunities for shared decision-making, culturally responsive communication, and wraparound support that bridges school and home.
Collaborative Leadership and Practices – Each school has established a Community Schools Team that will ensure to grow the participation from staff, students, families, and community members. Through inclusive and transparent decision-making processes, we will foster shared ownership in creating welcoming, equitable school cultures.
Expanded and Enriched Learning Time and Opportunities – We will offer robust before-, after-, and weekend-school learning experiences that align with student interests and life skills development. These opportunities will support academic success, career readiness, and overall well-being.

Despite the significant challenges our community continues to face—from housing insecurity to pandemic recovery—SUHSD remains steadfast in our mission to empower every student to succeed. Through the community schools transformation, we are aligning our efforts to creating a Portrait of a Graduate that reflects career- and life-ready skills, lifelong learning, and community engagement.

With this investment, we move forward in our vision of schools as inclusive, supportive hubs where every student and family feels seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.

For more information on the California Community Schools Partnership Program, please visit the California Department of Education online HERE.

meet our team

El Sausal Middle School