Salinas Union High board adopts 2026 LCAP after debate over cohort benchmarks

The Salinas Union High School District Board of Trustees voted June 17 to adopt the district's 2026 Local Control and Accountability Plan, the three-year road map the district must submit to the county by June 30.

Dr. Alonzo presented the draft LCAP and reminded trustees that the plan is the third year of a three-year cycle and must be memorialized for reporting to the county. Several trustees pressed for clearer, cohort-level tracking and raised concerns that a uniform 2% annual graduation-target could mask strong or weak cohort performance. Trustee Macias asked whether goals could be adjusted to reflect the particular strength of a single cohort; staff said targets are set from a baseline group per county and state guidance, and agreed to follow up with the county about flexibility.

Trustees asked for consistent public summaries and a regular quarterly data package to monitor whether district policies are producing expected gains. Staff committed to providing more localized presentations and cohort tracking that show student progress across each year rather than only end-of-cycle metrics.

After that discussion, a motion to approve the 2026-27 LCAP passed by voice vote. Board members said the approval was coupled with a request for follow-up information: more transparent cohort trackers, consistent reporting formats so trends over time are clear, and a plan to present deeper metrics in fall and quarterly updates.

The board said the adopted plan will be submitted to the Monterey County Office of Education for review and approval as required.