Board approves Mar Vista’s move to TK–8 after staff and parent support

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District board voted 7–0 on March 26 to approve a proposal that transitions Mar Vista from a TK–6 campus to a TK–8 serving school. Presenters said staff and families supported the change and emphasized benefits including fewer transitions for students, expanded STEAM and CTE feeder opportunities, and improved continuity from early childhood through middle grades.

Principal Ronnie Platt and Executive Director Peggy Pugh said the site’s staff voted to support the move (they reported roughly 76% in favor among staff who participated) and parents who responded to a recruitment survey also backed the transition. Trustees pressed presenters on practical concerns — restroom separation for TK students and older grades, staggered recess and start times, and the school’s physical footprint — and were told the site has capacity plans and is coordinating with maintenance and operations for facility adjustments. Measure M funds were described as a possible source for later infrastructure work, but site allocations will be determined by the bond’s public engagement process.

Trustees voiced broad support for the educational rationale. Trustee Flynn asked for follow‑up materials, including current site footprint and a more detailed facilities plan; district staff committed to supply those documents. The approval directs staff to proceed with implementation planning and to coordinate any Measure M requests during the bond prioritization process.

Why it matters: Mar Vista’s transition is intended to reduce student transitions and offer a continuous TK–8 pathway at one site, a change that will affect enrollment patterns, capital planning and site staffing as the district incorporates the shift into broader Measure M planning.