Concerns raised over local middle school as SUHSD debates use of funds
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The Salinas Union High School District (SUHSD) is advancing a plan to allocate nearly $130 million for facilities renovations across its 13 schools.
After a series of town hall meetings, tours, and study sessions, the district is moving forward with a master plan to address critical upgrades, including new classrooms, air conditioning, and enhanced accessibility.
However, some schools, including El Sausal Middle School, have voiced concerns that they have not received the attention needed.
El Sausal, the second-oldest middle school in the district, has identified several infrastructure challenges, with the lack of an accessible ramp to its front entrance being a primary concern.
Michael Urquides, a SUHSD trustee, highlighted the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the safety and accessibility of the campus for both students and staff. “El Sausal is one of our oldest middle school campuses, and all trustees are united in wanting to make improvements,” Urquides stated.
The trustee also noted that construction projects were delayed during the pandemic, but now that major renovations at the district’s high schools are winding down, attention will soon shift to middle schools like El Sausal.
While some schools feel overlooked, there is strong support from the community, especially from parents. Local parent Gildardo Garcia expressed his belief in the importance of quality educational environments for students.
“Es un apoyo a los jóvenes, lo cual ellos también ocupan unas buenas escuelas,” Garcia said, emphasizing that improving schools directly benefits students’ learning experiences.
Initially, the district proposed a $1.2 billion master plan for renovations, but after further analysis, the district recognized that such a budget was unrealistic. The plan has now been scaled down to a more feasible $130 million, with $30 million allocated for contingencies, such as inflation and rising tariffs. Over the past five years, the district has seen a staggering 140 percent increase in prices, making these adjustments necessary.
Urquides acknowledged the challenges of securing funding for such large-scale projects. He emphasized that the district cannot continue to rely on voter-approved bonds year after year.
“We can’t keep going to the voters every year,” Urquides explained. “If we can find ways to value engineer something cheaper, even if it’s not entirely new, we may repurpose what we can.”
Despite the financial hurdles, the district remains committed to improving its facilities. The goal is to have the master plan approved by summer, ensuring that renovations continue and that all schools, including those currently underfunded, receive the necessary upgrades.
As the district works to finalize the plan, officials are hopeful that the changes will provide a safer, more modern learning environment for students across Salinas.
