LOCKWOOD — Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Deneen Guss and Deputy Superintendent Ralph Porras recently visited San Antonio Union School District in Lockwood and San Ardo Union Elementary School District in San Ardo, two small districts in South Monterey County.
The visit was part of the Monterey County Office of Education’s (MCOE) ongoing efforts to better understand the needs of rural small schools and enhance support for students and educators.
At San Antonio, the tour featured a newly remodeled kitchen designed to support the district’s innovative Scratch Kitchen initiative, which focuses on preparing nutritious meals from fresh, whole ingredients to enhance students’ health and cognitive development.
Meanwhile, at San Ardo, Guss and Porras observed young students actively engaging in phonemic awareness activities, a key reading intervention strategy that strengthens early literacy skills. This hands-on approach reflects the district’s deep commitment to fostering strong foundational reading abilities.
“With Dr. Guss taking part in a legislative trip to the California State Capitol days following, the visits provided an opportunity to gather firsthand insights on local challenges and advocate for needed resources with state legislators,” according to MCOE.
During their time at these two school sites, Guss met with district leaders, including San Antonio Superintendent Amy Sweet and San Ardo Superintendent Catherine Reimer, to discuss both the successes and challenges their schools face. These discussions offered valuable perspectives on the support and policies necessary to address key issues.
“These visits reaffirm MCOE’s commitment to advocating for and supporting all schools in Monterey County, ensuring that every student has access to high-quality education and essential resources,” stated MCOE.
