SEPTEMBER 2026

Dear families and community members,

We are now three weeks into the new school year, and it has been wonderful to see our campuses fully back in motion. Thank you to the many families who joined us for Back to School Night and took the time to connect with teachers, learn more about classes, and show your support for your students.

Fall sports are also underway, bringing energy and excitement to our campuses as students compete, perform, and represent their schools. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or through activities and clubs, this is an important time for students to establish strong routines that will carry them through the year.

One of the most important ways families can support student success is by making attendance a priority. Please help your student start the year on the right foot by arriving at school on time every day, completing assignments, and staying engaged in their classes. Strong attendance and consistent habits early in the year can make a significant difference over time.

This month’s newsletter includes updates and information to help you stay connected with our schools and district. We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to working together throughout the year to support every student’s success.

Dr. Caroline Cota
Superintendent

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Unification Update

Measure J Election Facts

November 3, 2026 Election

As the November election approaches, South Monterey County Joint Union High School District will provide factual information about Measure J to help staff, families, and community members understand the school district reorganization proposal appearing on the ballot.

This information is provided for informational purposes only.

What is Measure J?

Measure J asks voters whether the current three-district structure should be reorganized into two new unified school districts:

Greenfield Unified School District, serving the current Greenfield Union School District attendance area.
King City Joint Unified School District, including the current King City Union School District and the remaining territory of SMCJUHSD.

Both new districts would serve students from Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 12.

What would change?

If Measure J is approved:

Greenfield Union School District, King City Union School District, and SMCJUHSD would be dissolved and replaced by the two new unified school districts.
Each unified district would serve students from TK through Grade 12 under one district administration and governing board.
Each unified district would have its own locally elected five-member Board of Trustees.
Each unified district would operate under a common TK-12 school calendar.
The assets and obligations of SMCJUHSD would be divided between the two new unified districts according to the approved reorganization plan and applicable law.

What would stay the same?

If Measure J is approved:

Students would continue attending their local schools.
Existing attendance areas would remain the same.
School facilities would remain in their respective communities.
Educational programs would continue.
Bradley, Bitterwater-Tully, San Antonio, San Ardo, and San Lucas would remain independent elementary school districts, and their students would continue attending King City High School for grades 9-12.

Who can vote?

All eligible registered voters who reside within the boundaries of the current South Monterey County Joint Union High School District may vote on Measure J.

A simple majority, more than 50 percent of the votes cast, is required for approval.

What does a YES or NO vote mean?

A YES vote is a vote to reorganize the three existing districts into Greenfield Unified School District and King City Joint Unified School District.

A NO vote is a vote against the reorganization. The existing three school districts would remain.

When would the change happen?

If approved, the reorganization would not happen immediately. The existing districts and newly elected unified district boards would work through a transition period, with the new districts becoming operational on July 1, 2028.

Voters will also elect members of the proposed unified district boards during the November 2026 election. Those boards would govern the new districts if Measure J is approved.

What happened to SMCJUHSD's state emergency loan?

SMCJUHSD has fully repaid the $13 million I-Bank emergency loan it received in 2012. As a result, responsibility for repayment of that loan would not transfer to either of the proposed unified school districts.

What position has the SMCJUHSD Board of Education taken?

On August 12, 2026, the SMCJUHSD Board of Education adopted Resolution 04:26/27, declaring its support for Measure J. The resolution also authorized Board President David Gaboni to prepare and submit an argument in favor of Measure J, as permitted under state election law.

Where can I learn more?

The Monterey County Office of Education provides additional voter information about Measure J, including the full reorganization plan, official information and statistics, and arguments for and against the measure. https://www.montereycoe.org/about-us/board-of-education/reorganization-ballot-measure

Additionally, the County of Monterey Elections Department provides information about all local measures, including the full measure language, impartial analysis and arguments for and against each measure. https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/elections/list-of-local-measures

Election Day: November 3, 2026

Education Services

Parent Event - Saturday, September 19

Parents are invited to join us on September 19 for a day of connection, learning, and community resources. The event will feature resource tables, workshops, and a keynote speaker, offering families an opportunity to learn about resources and services available in our community. Connect with local organizations and gain valuable information to support yourselves and your students.

See the flyer below for event details, including the time and location. We hope to see you there!

District Advisory Committee (DAC) &

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

Families are invited to join us to stay informed and engaged throughout the school year. Please see the calendar below for the dates of upcoming DELAC (District English Learner Advisory Committee) and DAC (District Advisory Committee) meetings. We look forward to your participation and partnership in supporting our students and schools!

Business Services and Facility Update

Over the past month, our Business Services and Facilities teams have been busy closing out the 2025-2026 school year and preparing for the year ahead.

Business Services is completing the District’s annual financial closeout, which provides the Board and community with a clear picture of how District funds were spent during the past year and identifies remaining funds available for the new school year. This process helps ensure that schools have an accurate accounting of the resources available to support students and programs. The department has also welcomed several new team members and is reviewing policies and procedures to strengthen efficient, reliable service to our schools.

Facilities projects also made significant progress over the summer. Completed projects include renovated science labs at King City High School, new Wellness Centers at both comprehensive high schools, wall and window repairs at our alternative education sites, HVAC repairs in the KCHS F-Wing, and improvements to the culinary arts classroom at Greenfield High School.

Several major projects are now underway, including the GHS press box and bleacher renovation, the new KCHS auxiliary gym and Career Technical Education classroom building, the new GHS Agriculture facility, improvements to the KCHS training room, GHS skylight repairs, and the new District Office. Planning is also moving forward for parking lot improvements and charging stations to support the District’s future electric bus fleet.

Culinary Classroom

KCHS Wellness Center

Science Labs

HVAC Systems

New District Office Building

GHS Wellness Center

Work Opportunities

We Are Hiring!

We're Hiring!

We Are Hiring!

Know Someone Interested in a Job with the District? Here are some current openings!

CLASSIFIED JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Occupational Therapist

Custodian I/Bus Driver

Custodian II/Bus Driver

Bus Driver

Service Worker/Bus Driver

Substitute Positions

Paraeducator I
Paraeducator II

Custodian

Office Clerk

Certificated Teaching Substitute

Click Here To Apply

School Board Meeting Dates and Locations

School Board meetings occur on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, with some adjustments around major holidays.

September 9 at the Board Room
September 21- Site Visits
September 30 at the KCHS Library

Be in touch!

Dr. Caroline Cota, Superintendent

District Office Hours: Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm

Email: superintendent@smcjuhsd.org
Website: https://www2.smcjuhsd.org/
Location: 800 Broadway, King City, CA 93930
Phone: (831) 385-0606

Board of Trustees

David Gaboni, President dgaboni@smcjusd.org

Leslie Girard, Clerk lgirard@smcjusd.org

Linda Benway, Member lbenway@smcjuhsd.org

Paul Dake, Member pdake@smcjuhsd.org

Mindy Hunt, Member mhunt@smcjuhsd.org

COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Message from Dr. Caroline Cota, Superintendent

SEPTEMBER 2026

Unification Update

Measure J Election Facts

Education Services

Parent Event - Saturday, September 19

District Advisory Committee (DAC) &

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

Business Services and Facility Update

Culinary Classroom

Culinary Classroom

Culinary Classroom

KCHS Wellness Center

KCHS Wellness Center

KCHS Wellness Center

Science Labs

Science Labs

HVAC Systems

New District Office Building

New District Office Building

New District Office Building

GHS Wellness Center

GHS Wellness Center

GHS Wellness Center

Work Opportunities

We Are Hiring!

School Board Meeting Dates and Locations

Be in touch!

Dr. Caroline Cota, Superintendent

Board of Trustees

Community Events

SEPTEMBER 2026 SEPTEMBER 2026

Unification Update Unification Update

Measure J Election Facts

Education Services Education Services

Parent Event - Saturday, September 19

District Advisory Committee (DAC) & District Advisory Committee (DAC) &

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

Business Services and Facility Update Business Services and Facility Update

Culinary Classroom

Culinary Classroom

Culinary Classroom

KCHS Wellness Center

KCHS Wellness Center

KCHS Wellness Center

Science Labs

Science Labs

HVAC Systems

New District Office Building

New District Office Building

New District Office Building

GHS Wellness Center

GHS Wellness Center

GHS Wellness Center

Work Opportunities Work Opportunities

We Are Hiring!

School Board Meeting Dates and Locations

Be in touch! Be in touch!

Dr. Caroline Cota, Superintendent

Board of Trustees

Community Events Community Events

SEPTEMBER 2026

Unification Update

Education Services

District Advisory Committee (DAC) &

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

Business Services and Facility Update

Work Opportunities

Be in touch!

Community Events