County Office outlines 2025–26 LCAP goals, highlights alternative-education gains and staffing plans

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education presented its 2025–26 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) to the board and public at a June 12 hearing; the board will consider approval at its June 26 meeting. Dr. Jennifer Isent Gonzales, senior director of alternative education, walked trustees through five goals—academic achievement, social‑emotional wellness, confidence through community partnerships, foster/expelled youth supports, and an equity multiplier goal for court school students—and said the district completed year one of a three‑year cycle.

A former student, Natalie Hopkins, told the board her time in alternative education "has played a huge role in shaping me as a more confident person," praising the one‑teacher model and increased independence it supported. Gonzales highlighted measurable gains, including increased graduation rates and progress on chronic absenteeism, and said staff are hiring an English‑Learner Development teacher and adding credentialed counselors and a mental‑health coordinator for next year. She also previewed budget/chart changes that reflect new state reporting requirements and flagged a more detailed budget presentation at the June 26 meeting.