Board approves 5% open‑enrollment buffer and limits new transfers at high‑demand sites

The Salinas Union High School District board on a 5%‑buffer recommendation approved measures this week to reserve seats for returning students and to limit new open‑enrollment transfers at high‑demand campuses.

District staff told trustees that updated site‑capacity charts and upcoming construction projects informed a proposal to hold a 5% margin of seats so schools can accommodate students who move into attendance areas or return from county programs. Assistant Superintendent Lopez said the buffer “gives us some flexibility within the master schedules on those school sites” and that the district will still honor continuity, sibling and employee priority categories.

Trustees pressed staff for trend data and geographic breakdowns. One trustee asked whether the 5% reserve could deny students who otherwise would use the space and whether the number should vary by campus. District staff said they had modeled 10% and 5% options and chose 5% as a cautious, monitorable approach and pledged to return with updated numbers if the board wants a lower percentage.

Staff also explained how new two‑story classroom buildings and planned removal of portables factor into the capacity calculations. The district said the intent is to balance enrollment across campuses, avoid program gridlock where core classes fill up, and protect seats needed for special‑education placements.

The board approved the recommendation to restrict new transfers at identified high‑demand sites and adopt the 5% buffer, with staff reporting it will track use of the buffer and recommend adjustments if needed.

Next steps: staff will supply trustees with historical transfer trends, a geographic breakdown of transfer requests, and follow‑up recommendations for any percentage changes before or during the open‑enrollment window.