Soquel Scoop # 2
SUESD Board Meeting August 19, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
The SUESD Board of Trustees will hold its first Regular School Board Meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sandra Wallace Boardroom at the SUESD District Office (620 Monterey Avenue in Capitola). In-person attendance is a great way to be informed. For your convenience, our Regular Board Meetings are also live-streamed. You can find all of the information on our Board Website. Some key topics that will be addressed on Wednesday Night include:
- Official Welcoming of Main Street Principal, Heather Herbst
- Report on Opening Day Enrollment in SUESD Schools
- Presentation from Community Partner, Your Future is Our Business (YFIOB)
- Selection of Contractor for School Modernization Projects
CalKids
We want to make sure no family in SUESD leaves free money for college on the table. CalKids is an amazing program that invests in our youth from an early age. Can you imagine what a college degree will cost in 2037? Every penny counts. As such, please take a few minutes to log in. Qualifying families will find funds already waiting in their child's account.
CKC Preschool at Opal Cliffs
Our partners at Campus Kids Connection (CKC) want you to know there is still plenty of space available in their Preschool Program at the district's Opal Cliffs School. You can go to their website to learn more about this program.
Jade Street Reimagined - Treasure Cove Playground
We are so excited that our community partner, the City of Capitola, will host the grand opening of its new Treasure Cove Playground at Jade Street Park on August 25 at noon. Read all about it in the attachments.
Rainbow Conference - September 26, 2026
The Safe Schools Project will host the annual Rainbow Conference at Watsonville High School on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to - 2:30 pm. This is one of the best events of the school year, specifically designed to support our LGBTQ+ Community. There is something for everyone, including students, family members, and allies.
SUESD Superintendent’s Message for the Start of the 2026-27 School Year
Dear SUESD Families,
Welcome to the 2026–27 school year. I hope your summer has included time for rest, connection, and meaningful moments with family and friends. As we begin a new year across our TK–8 schools, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Last year, our district made important progress in student attendance. SUESD achieved a 95.5% attendance rate, surpassing our pre-COVID attendance rate for the first time. This is an accomplishment worth celebrating, and it reflects the shared commitment of families, students, teachers, staff, and school leaders. We also continued to reduce chronic absenteeism, bringing us much closer to pre-COVID levels.
Consistent attendance matters. When students are present, connected, and engaged, they are better positioned to learn, build relationships, and experience success. As we move into 2026–27, we will continue working with families to support strong attendance and reduce barriers that may prevent students from being at school each day.
Instructionally, we will continue our focus on mathematics. This does not mean that other subject areas are less important. Reading, writing, science, history/social studies, the arts, physical education, and social-emotional learning all remain essential parts of a well-rounded education. At the same time, our student achievement data show that mathematics is an area where focused attention can make a meaningful difference. Across all grade levels, our educators are working to strengthen students’ math skills, confidence, and problem-solving abilities. We are also committed to narrowing achievement gaps so that every student has access to the support, challenge, and encouragement needed to thrive.
In addition to academic growth, SUESD remains deeply committed to maintaining safe, welcoming, and inclusive campuses where students feel valued, connected, and ready to learn. We know that students do their best when they feel a strong sense of belonging and support at school.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education and care of your children. We take that responsibility seriously, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work in partnership with you. I look forward to a successful 2026–27 school year and all we will accomplish together.
Sincerely,
Scott Turnbull
SUESD Superintendent