SAN BENITO — In an effort to open a line of communication and become more transparent, the San Benito school district will be hosting two town hall meetings in November.
Members of the board and the superintendent of schools will be opening up to the community for discussions about ongoing and future projects.
Board president Michael Vargas said town halls have been something that he has been wanting to do since his campaign in 2015.
“This town hall will be the first in the district’s history and we’re really excited about it,” Vargas said.
Town halls are a great way to create transparency and the district is looking for a back-and-forth conversation with the community.
“We want to make sure they are a part of the conversation,” Vargas said.
Whether the community loves or hates the ideas that have been discussed, he wants to hear it.
“We want community feedback that is honest and raw,” Vargas said.
Some items up for discussion at the town hall meeting will include infrastructure at the high school level.
According to Vargas, the board is looking to expand the Veterans Memorial Academy to include sophomores as well.
The board is looking for ways to be more innovative and competitive, Vargas said.
Creations of magnets, charter schools and STEM campuses are just some of the discussions.
“We’re losing more students at the elementary level so we’re looking at what we have to do to appeal to them,” Vargas said.
Vargas said the board will not make these decisions behind closed doors and wants the community involved in the process.
He said depending on the turnout and community response, town halls can become a quarterly event.
Two town halls will be available for residents living in the city and the country.
Those unable to attend will be able to live stream the meeting on the district’s website.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: SBCISD Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Riverside Middle School
OR
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: San Benito High School
