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Kris Munro
Superintendent,
Santa Cruz City Schools

It is my honor to serve as Santa Cruz City Schools' Superintendent and to welcome you to our website. I know of no school district in California with stronger community support or a greater commitment to providing a world-class education. The professionals in Santa Cruz City Schools work passionately to create learning communities that meet the academic and social emotional needs of every and student and ensure each child is safe, known well and cared for by the educators in our schools.

The Governing Board of Santa Cruz City Schools has adopted a set of strategic goals that guide decision making each year. Each of these six goals is supported by a set of specific measurable targets that are monitored for evidence of year-to-year progress. The success of our schools is built upon the quality of our teachers and the incredible support of our community. These goals are:
 

  1. All Santa Cruz City School students will be prepared to successfully access post-secondary college and career opportunities.
     

  2. SCCS will create positive, engaging school environments that promote the development of cognitive skills and the social emotional well-being of all students.
     

  3. We will eliminate the achievement gaps that currently exist between demographic groups within the SCCS student community.
     

  4. We will develop a highly collaborative, professional culture focused on supporting effective teaching.
     

  5. SCCS will maintain a balanced budget and efficient and effective management.
     

  6. SCCS will maintain strong communication and partnerships with its diverse community.


Although we have seen an increase in funding for schools, California is only 43rd in the nation for per pupil funding.  Despite limited State resources, the investment made by our local community through parcel taxes allows us to provide rich educational programs and services for our students.  The critical programs supported by the Santa Cruz community include:
 

  • Counseling Services

  • Library Programs

  • Art and Music Program

  • Small Class Sizes

  • Career Technical Education

  • Elementary Life After School Programs

  • Secondary Athletic Programs

 

In addition, Bond Measures A & B (2016) and Measures K & L (2022) are allowing us to repair and modernize our schools, to improve learning environments and to implement new safety measures on all of our campuses.   None of this would be possible without the generosity of our community.  Ultimately, our efforts are to ensure we are engaging students' hearts and minds each day they enter our classrooms.  We are committed to providing schools that foster growth and excellence for every child. 

The annual State of Our Schools Report was first published in October 2015.  Each year, the State of our Schools is mailed in October to keep the students, families and taxpayers of Santa Cruz, Soquel, Live Oak, Capitola, Bonny Doon, Happy Valley and surrounding Santa Cruz County communities updated on the work of our District to ensure that every student is provided a world class education. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us at superintendent@sccs.net

Our partnership with our community is tremendously important to us, as it takes a community to create outstanding schools. Whether or not you have school-age children, your continued involvement in our schools is welcome and valued. Thank you for your interest and support.

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