Proposed Countywide Charter School Petition

Community Information: Proposed Countywide Charter School Petition

We want to share information with our families regarding a proposed countywide charter school application currently under review by the Monterey County Board of Education.

Navigator Schools has submitted a petition to operate a TK–12 countywide charter school known as Monterey County Prep. The proposal includes potential school locations in three areas of the county, one of which is identified as the Soledad/Greenfield area.

The Monterey County Office of Education received the petition in late October and is responsible for reviewing it and making a recommendation to the County Board of Education. As part of this process, the County Board will hold two public hearings:

• Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 5:30pm, Monterey County Office of Education – Public hearing to receive input from community members and interested parties. Staff, parents and community members with interest in this  matter are welcome to attend this meeting.
• Wednesday, January 14, 2026 (time to be determined) – Public hearing and County Board decision.

Information shared during the hearings, along with a staff report prepared by the County Office of Education, will be considered by the County Board before a decision is made.

If approved, a charter school operating in or near Soledad could enroll students who currently attend schools in the Soledad Unified School District. Like all public school districts, Soledad USD receives funding based on student enrollment. Changes in enrollment can affect district funding levels, which in turn support instructional programs, student services, and school operations.

At this time, no decision has been made. The Soledad Unified School District is sharing this information to ensure our staff and families are aware of the proposal and the public process underway. Community members who wish to learn more or provide input may follow the Monterey County Board of Education meeting agendas and public comment procedures.

Members of the Soledad USD Community are invited to share their comments in person at the Special Board Meetings, and are also welcome to send any written comments to the following email: superintendent@montereycoe.org.

We will continue to keep staff and families informed as more information becomes available.

Sincerely,
Randy Bangs
Superintendent