There can be no better way to start this month’s column than with the news that we finally broke ground at Scotts Valley High on the new sports complex. We finally received approval from the Division of the State Architect (DSA) in Sacramento on March 12, and only three weeks later, we were able to break ground. This moment is the culmination of over a decade of efforts to provide a sports facility that benefits every student, and our community.
So many people have contributed to this important milestone, that I can’t possibly begin to thank everyone. But I will mention a few. First off, thank you Scotts Valley community for approving Measure O to upgrade our schools for the benefit of every student in Scotts Valley. Thanks to past board president Michael Shulman, and Superintendent Tanya Krause who worked tirelessly before, during and after the campaign to help identify the needs, establish balanced goals and then promote the need to the community.
Thanks to the Measure O committee that worked so hard to raise community awareness, because every vote mattered for the bond to pass. Thanks to the leaders of the Scotts Valley Sports Complex committee that actually started advocacy and fundraising way back in 2015 for this effort. So many of our coaches and staff worked hard all along the way to make sure we’re building a functional sports complex for generations of students to come.
And thanks to DAG Group and Bothman Construction for working patiently through many revisions to both handle new requirements from DSA, get DSA approval, then revisit the plan to reduce costs that balanced fiscal prudence with producing a facility we will be proud of.
Work continues with our architects on designs for improvements at both our elementary school sites, including new playground equipment and Multipurpose Rooms that will allow us to bring all of our elementary students together to eat lunch in one, warm, dry space.
We had a great turnout for our inaugural Wellness Walk on March 28. We really appreciated Assemblymember Gail Pellerin kicking off the event with her words of support for the importance of student mental health. This student-led event, sponsored by the SVHS Parent Club, is a fundraiser for our Wellness Center at the high school. The event raised over $37,000 to help keep this vital service available to students.
The Center is staffed by wellness professionals who offer support to hundreds of students through emotional support, mental health resources and a space that encourages a sense of belonging for our students. It provides self-service and structured services on campus and referrals to off-campus resources as well. Our goal is to raise $50,000, and we are continuing to accept donations at svwellnesswalk.com/donations.
We continue to evolve our new resource of svusdboardupdate.com, keeping our community informed about your board’s work to support students. Spearheaded by trustees Stephanie Espinola and Erica Turzak, the site will be updated after each board meeting to provide short summaries of presentations and decisions from the last meeting. We hope you all find this resource helpful, and look forward to your feedback.
A reminder that our spring sports are now in full swing, so I encourage you to come out and support Falcon sports. Visit svhsfalconclub.com and scroll to the bottom of the page to find links to the schedules for all of our spring sports. Our teams are looking strong, and they always appreciate community support.
Spring also brings the Scotts Valley High Spring Musical: “Little Shop of Horrors.” “The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names ‘Audrey II’—after his coworker crush. This R&B-singing carnivorous plant promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it.” What will Seymour do? You’ll have to check it out onstage, now playing on weekends through Saturday, May 2. Tickets are available at cur8.com. Just click “Buy Tickets” at the top, and enter Scotts Valley to see performance dates and buy tickets.
SVUSD would not be the district it is without our incredible volunteers. And since April is National Volunteer Month, it’s important to recognize how essential volunteers are to our students and staff. Whether you’re in classrooms, on playgrounds, supporting field trips, or leading through PTA/PTO, you make a meaningful difference. At the Board level, we know how vital your services are, and we are deeply grateful for the time, talent and energy you share with our schools. Thank you!
April is recognized as both Arab and Persian American Heritage Month and Environmental Awareness Month. We take this opportunity to celebrate the numerous contributions Arab Americans have made to our community, in education, business, politics and other fields, by acknowledging their achievements during this month.
Coming up this month is the first SVEF Food Truck Friday event of the year! Mark your calendars for Friday, April 24. For more information and additional Food Truck Friday event dates, visit svef.net/events.
Roger Snyder is the Board President of Scotts Valley Unified School District. He may be contacted at rs*****@*************sd.org.
