Superintendent's Weekly Message

April 24, 2024

Dear Hollister High School parents, students, staff and community:

On Earth Day Monday, April 22, Hollister High School’s energy efficiency and sustainability projects were celebrated during a campus tour attended by PG&E Regional Vice President Teresa Alvarado, Climatec Regional Operations Manager Rob Reading and Hollister High School Environmental Club President Anissa Fitzgerald.

I was proud to lead the tour that started at our Baler Alley solar panels and continued through the main campus as we toured older classrooms that have been refurbished through energy upgrades and efficiency efforts. The tour also included Jeffrey Small of Capitol Public Finance Group and consultant Jennifer Baker, both of whom have been instrumental in San Benito High School District’s efforts to finance campus construction projects that resulted in the completion of our Facility Master Plan.

A Green Campus

After a stop in the Baler Plaza, where environmental science teacher Ryan Shorey and Maintenance, Operations, Transportation and Facilities Manager Kristy Bettencourt discussed the environmental value of the planting of nearly 300 trees on campus, our group visited the Student Union and Cafeteria building under construction near the corner of Nash and West streets.

The Power of the Sun

From there, we visited the Career Technical Education building, touring classrooms and work spaces while checking out the rooftop solar panels there and the nearby ground-mount solar farm that are now fully operational following a successful partnership with PG&E to upgrade the school’s infrastructure.

Commitment To Efficiency

During the tour, Ms. Alvarado noted that PG&E is committed to reaching a net zero energy system by 2040 by partnering with the state to help customers like Hollister High School and the San Benito High School District reduce their carbon footprint. When the District shared its plan to fight climate change, PG&E was able to help with a transformer upgrade and necessary wire and recloser upgrades to accommodate the solar project.

Since the implementation of the campus-wide energy management system in 2017, Hollister High School has reduced electrical consumption by 8,082 megawatt hours, which is equivalent to removing 523 cards from our roadways, preserving 68,181 trees from deforestation, and powering 296 homes.

Vehicles Save Energy

Our District has also achieved more than $2 million in total savings due to the productivity of the three solar projects that are online and producing energy on campus. The Earth Day campus tour culminated in our transportation area, where attendees saw examples of the District's electric vehicle fleet, which includes an electric shuttle bus, electric carts for on-campus transportation, and electric food carts

Through our partnerships with Climatec and PG&E, we are proud to have both reduced the District’s energy consumption and saved millions of dollars in energy costs along the way. This team effort at environmental sustainability is a reminder that every day is a great day to be a Baler!

Sincerely,

San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum

As San Benito High School District explores funding options to protect high-quality education at a second high school campus, planning for that new high school presents a unique opportunity for our community to collectively shape its identity. Through a survey, the district is seeking input on the new school’s name, mascot and colors by scanning the QR code or clicking on the survey link below:

Second High School Offers Additional Opportunities for Student Success

Hollister High School alumnus Michael Martinez, head of communications for Conectado, Inc. and a mentor for Hollister High's Deep-Space Robotics program, noted that "Schools serve as the epicenters for today’s cities and communities and help drive generational change across families. Beyond education, they influence social, economic, and cultural dynamics in the community. High schools are the new universities. They attract opportunities and investment and tap into the talent they create."

As the San Benito High School District explores options to build new local school facilities, we value your input. To make your voice heard, scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/SurveySBHSD. For more information, please contact our public information communications officer, Adam Breen at abreen@sbhsd.k12.ca.us.

Planificar el futuro de nuestras escuelas es un esfuerzo de toda la comunidad. Haga oír su voz y comparta sus opiniones visitando nuestro sitio web en tinyurl.com/SurveySBHSD-Sp para realizar nuestra encuesta. ¡Escanee el código QR o haga clic en el enlace de arriba para realizar la encuesta. 

For 128 years, SBHSD has served the community and delivered high-quality education for our students. At the heart of our community lies Hollister High School.  We are proud of Hollister High’s legacy, but we face challenges in continuing our tradition of academic excellence. To learn more, please visit SBHSD.org/Building-a-Brighter-Future.

Retired teachers are encouraged to RSVP for the upcoming breakfast information session to learn about San Benito High School District's plans to build a second high school. The session will be held Thursday, April 25 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in Hollister High School's Davis Library. Please RSVP to Carol Heiderich at cheiderich@sbhsd.k12.ca.us or by phone at 831-637-5831, ext. 1132.