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Salinas City Elementary School District

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Ricardo Tapia

Executive Assistant to Superintendent

(831) 784-2201

2024-2025 State of the District Video

Video del Estado del Distrito 2024-25

Superintendent's Message

Dear Families and SCESD Community,
 
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! We are excited to welcome our students back on August 7 and look forward to a year filled with growth, connection, and belonging. This year, our district embraces the theme: Cultivating Belonging. Belonging is the foundation of safety, connection, and community—and when every child, family, and staff member feels seen and valued, we create spaces where all can thrive.
 
Supporting the Whole Child
At Salinas City Elementary School District, we are committed to providing rich learning experiences and supportive environments that help every student grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Through strong programs and partnerships, we aim to nurture confident, capable learners prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world. These efforts are anchored by a clear vision and Board Priorities that guide how we serve our students and community every day.
 
Programs of Choice and Opportunities for Students and Families
  • Preschool Programs: Starting at age 2, we offer full‑day programs at five campuses, part‑day services at eight schools, and a fee‑based program at Lincoln Elementary. Learn more through the Early Education department.
  • Transitional Kindergarten (4‑year‑olds): Full‑day TK at all schools. Contact your school’s front office, Pupil Services, or Early Education for enrollment details.
  • Expanded Learning: Free after‑school care through 6:00 PM is available at every school. The enrichment opportunities range from sports, computer science, academic, dance, performance/theater and more. Reach out to the department for enrollment information.
  • Salinas City STEAM Academy: TK–6 students may enroll in our STEAM-focused virtual learning option, punctuated by regular in-person meetups. [Find Salinas City STEAM Academy enrollment information here.]
  • Dual Immersion in Spanish: Seven schools offer Spanish dual immersion: DIAS, Boronda Meadows, Lincoln, Los Padres, Natividad, Roosevelt, and Sherwood. Details and enrollment can be found here.

The Student and Family Information Handbook, which outlines rights and responsibilities, will be sent home on the first day of school and is also posted under the “Families” tab on our website. Please review and return the required signed pages to your school.

Co‑creating a Culture of Joy, Connection, and Belonging
Joy fuels learning, connection builds trust, and belonging ensures everyone feels they matter. Together, we intentionally design spaces where students, families, and staff can thrive, live with purpose, and find clarity and joy in their work. As we create these spaces together, our work is guided by a clear vision and priorities that keep students at the center of everything we do.
 
Our District’s Vision, Board Priorities, and LCAP Goals
Our shared vision is to inspire and ensure students recognize their talents to excel, become empowered learners, and make meaningful contributions to a dynamic global community.
 
The Board Priorities that shape this vision are:
  • Learner-Centered, Future-Ready Students: We empower students through curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation, supported by STEAM learning, strength-based practices, and social-emotional wellness resources. Our staff and community engage in ongoing development to ensure every learner thrives.
  • Ensure Fiscal Health: We maintain a transparent, responsible budgeting process and plan for long-term sustainability while investing in safe, welcoming learning environments. Through grants and partnerships, we maximize resources to support student success.
  • Strong Relationships as a Community: We build strong connections with families, staff, and partners through engagement, collaboration, and open communication. Together, we create an inclusive culture where every voice is valued and every member of our community feels they belong.
Aligned with these, our LCAP Goals  focus on:
  1. Fostering Academic Excellence
  2. Safe, Positive, and Well‑Resourced Schools
  3. Cultivate Quality Staff to Provide Excellent Service
  4. Enhance Belonging and Strengthen Home‑School‑Community Partnerships

We invite you to join us in realizing this vision and building a year where every child thrives. Here’s to a school year marked by courage, compassion, and community.

Warmly,
Rebeca Andrade, Ed.D.

Superintendent's Biography

Dr. Rebeca Andrade has 27 years of public school experience, ranging from classroom teaching to central office administration. Her service also includes leading early education and expanded learning, two systems that provide a human developmental and social emotional focus in PreK-8th grades. Dr. Andrade has presented at various state educational conferences on leadership, STEM, and mindfulness for leaders. Her academic research focuses on STEM practices, policies, and implementation in all learning ecosystems and Belonging in Educational Systems.  She serves on the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 10 Board, the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) Board, and the School Employers Association of California (SEAC) Board, and the Central Coast Overdose Prevention (CCODP) initiative . She mentors educational leaders through the CALSA mentoring program and has served as mentor for doctoral students at USC and first generation students at CSUMB.

Dr. Andrade received her bachelor of arts from the University of Southern California, her master of arts from Loyola Marymount University, and her doctorate of education in educational leadership from the University of Southern California.