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Board adopts 2026-27 budget, approves hires and chef contract; trustees ask for data on travel and positions
Summary
Trustees approved the 2026-27 original budget, confirmed several administrative hires and extensions, and approved a multi-year chef services contract intended to boost school-meal participation; trustees pressed staff for more budget detail and program evidence.
The Salinas Union High School District board adopted its 2026-27 original budget June 17 after staff presentations and trustee questions about specific line items and new positions.
Ms. Aguillon, director of business services, reminded trustees that the original budget had been reviewed May 12 and June 9; the board approved the budget by motion and voice vote. Trustees asked for clarification on a $40,822 addition to the board travel and conference line (estimated as four conferences at about $3,000 each) and asked for historic conference-usage data. Staff said unused funds remain in ending fund balance and offered to provide a report detailing expenditures.
The board also confirmed several personnel actions announced earlier in the meeting (appointments reported from closed session): Araceli Quintas was appointed assistant principal at El Sausal Middle School (7-0), Brian McKee was confirmed as VAPA coordinator (6-1, Trustee Huerta no), and Dr. Margarita Contreras was appointed principal of Salinas High School (7-0). Dr. Christie Allen was introduced as the district's director of human resources and thanked the board for the opportunity.
Trustees approved an extension of a chef-services agreement with Brigade to design menus and deliver training across school kitchens; staff said the program has raised student participation and they will present participation data in the fall to show whether increased meal purchases cover the multi-year cost. Trustees also discussed a new director position (Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships) and a director of secondary principals job description; some trustees worried the district may not need an additional cabinet-level administrator while others said the workload and public-records demands justify added capacity. The strategic initiatives position was approved after roll-call debate.
Board action on these items was accompanied by requests for follow-up reports: a breakdown of the travel/conference line, data showing PRISMS/VR and Brigade program results, and clarity on how new positions will be funded and integrated into district operations.
