This Unification Newsletter is a joint effort of the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE), Greenfield Union School District, King City Union School District, and South Monterey County Joint Union High School District. Its intent is to provide timely updates as district and county leadership continue the state-directed planning process for a potential dual unification.
On February 26 and again on March 2, 2026, district and county leaders, along with legal counsel and consultant Christy White, met to continue discussions that could result in the creation of a Greenfield Unified School District and a King City Unified School District. As background, the State Board of Education directed the Monterey County Committee on School District Organization (County Committee) to develop formal recommendations for this potential reorganization. Those recommendations are expected to move forward to the State Board for consideration at their July meeting.
During the meetings, MCOE legal counsel reviewed the unification timeline and provided updates regarding the small school district participation. San Lucas Union School District, Bradley Union School District, San Ardo Union School District, and San Antonio Union School District have formally adopted resolutions to opt out of the proposed unification. The Bitterwater-Tully Union School District is expected to take action by mid-March
Feasibility Study and Fiscal Outlook
MCOE consultant Christy White reviewed the Feasibility Study, incorporating questions, clarifications, and feedback from the group. This study will serve as the foundation of the formal report that will first be presented to the County Committee on School District Organization and ultimately to the State Board of Education for consideration.
It was agreed upon that the Feasibility Study, outlining that the South Monterey County Joint Union High School District, Greenfield Union Elementary School District, and King City Union Elementary School District would be dissolved and replaced by two entirely new unified districts, included sufficient content and information at this point in time. This proposal is not an absorption of one district into another, but rather the closure of three existing districts and the formation of two new unified school districts. Assets, liabilities, fund balances, and obligations would be equitably divided to ensure fairness and long-term fiscal and programmatic success for both new districts.
Several key governance and fiscal issues were discussed and it was clarified that if the unification plan is approved by the State Board, then the State Board will direct the County Superintendent to call an election where the voters will make the final decision. If approved by the voters, and until the unification becomes effective, the County Superintendent would serve as the fiscal oversight authority to protect the financial stability of all three existing districts until the two newly created unified districts are up and running. Once unification takes effect, the County Superintendent would oversee the completion of required reports, payment of outstanding obligations not assumed by new districts, and the formal dissolution process.
Employee protections were also reviewed. Over time, staffing adjustments may occur through attrition, retirements, and standard contract processes. The group also discussed potential liabilities that may exist at the time of reorganization and how those would be handled.
Facilities and program considerations were discussed, including clarification around how property would be divided, whether facilities are owned or leased, and the relative value and condition of school sites.
Matters related to bond measures were discussed and will require further analysis to ensure fairness, transparency, and clarity regarding any possible tax rate implications.
The next Unification Planning Meeting is scheduled for March 9, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., at which time MCOE legal counsel will provide a recap of tentative decisions to be included in the formal plan submitted to the County Committee. The County Committee will meet on March 18, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. to review and adopt the draft plan which would then be shared with the public at the public hearings scheduled for March 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Vista Verde Middle School in Greenfield and at 7:00 p.m. at Chalone Peaks Middle School in King City to gather public input. Public hearing notices will be formally posted by March 13. Community members are encouraged to attend a meeting.