KING CITY — California State Board of Education has unanimously approved what officials say is the first dual school district unification in state history, advancing a long-running effort that would create separate unified transitional kindergarten through 12th grade school districts in Greenfield and King City.
The decision, announced July 9, allows the proposal to move to voters in the November 2026 election. If approved in both communities, the changes would separate the elementary and high school districts by community, creating unified TK-12 districts for Greenfield and King City.
Currently, Greenfield Union School District and King City Union School District serve elementary and middle school students, while the South Monterey County Joint Union High School District (SMCJUHSD) serves high school students in both communities.
“This is an extraordinary day for our students, our families and our entire community,” said Laura Cortez, superintendent of Greenfield Union. “For more than a decade, countless people have worked tirelessly toward this moment because they believed our students deserved a stronger and more connected educational experience. Today’s decision honors that commitment and opens the door to opportunities that will positively impact generations of students in both Greenfield and King City. We are deeply grateful to the California State Board of Education for recognizing the value of this effort and moving this historic process forward.”
District officials said unification combines elementary and high school districts into a single TK-12 district under one governing board and one superintendent. Rather than transitioning between separate districts, students and families would be served by one educational system intended to better align curriculum, student services, financial planning and long-term academic goals.
“The State Board of Education’s approval marks an important milestone because it puts this decision where it belongs: in the hands of the voters in our communities this November,” said Caroline Cota, superintendent of SMCJUHSD, in a statement. “Our Board unanimously supports this collaboratively developed plan because it was designed to keep King City schools strong while creating a seamless TK-12 educational experience for students in each community. We believe this plan will make it easier for students to succeed by strengthening the connection between our elementary and high schools. It creates opportunities for a single school calendar, smoother transitions from one grade level to the next, and stronger pathways that prepare students for college, careers and the future while reflecting the unique needs and values of our community.”
With the State Board’s approval, the proposal will now appear on the November ballot. Voters in both the Greenfield and King City communities must approve the measure for the reorganization to move forward. If successful, each community would begin the formal process of merging its elementary and high school districts into a single unified TK-12 district for the first time.
“Between now and the November election, we are committed to providing our families and community with clear, factual information so every voter can make an informed decision,” Cota added.
According to Greenfield Union, the State Board’s action marks a major milestone in an effort that has spanned more than a decade. The district said parents, educators, school board members and community leaders from Greenfield and King City, with support from the Monterey County Office of Education, have worked together to advance the proposal.
“The California State Board of Education demonstrated outstanding leadership by carefully reviewing this proposal and recognizing the long-term educational benefits that unification will provide,” said David Soldani, partner at Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo and legal counsel for Greenfield Union. “This decision reflects years of thoughtful planning, collaboration and public engagement. It is a tremendous victory for students, families and educators, and it validates the commitment that both communities have shown throughout this historic process. We now look forward to allowing voters in Greenfield and King City to determine the future of public education in their communities.”
